Mack Bryson is a fly tier that ties for redfish, trout, tarpon, bass and panfish for his target species in Georgia. Mack learned how to fly fish and tie flies at a young age, from mentors Mr. Bob Maricich and Blane Chocklett. Mack creates masterpieces with conventional materials, as well as some personal ones. Fly tying for Mack is a fun activity, almost like arts and crafts for adults. He believes there is no wrong move when it comes to fly tying, and that regardless of anything else, as a tier, you should be having fun.
Fly tying has been around for a while. When were your interests peaked?
My fly tying interests peaked pretty early in my life…I began fly fishing and tying in my teens. I had a large pond on my family’s farm where I spent most of my afternoons.
What are some of the fish species you tie flies for?
I mainly tie flies for inshore species; redfish, trout, tarpon, bass, panfish, etc. Shoal bass are a main target where I live in Georgia.
What was your first fishing experience/When did you begin fly fishing?
It all started in the basement of one of my best friends’ places. He and his dad introduced me to tying and fly fishing in general. I’d say it all began there.
What is currently on your vise?
Currently, some redfish flies. I’m tying a large order for Kevin’s Fine Outdoors Goods in Thomasville, as well as some custom orders. I’m using some new materials from my buddy Jonathan Kiley who manufactures tying materials (Fly Skinz).
Tell us about any flies that you’ve designed yourself.
Count of Monte Frisco is a solid bass and trout fly. It’s an articulated streamer that has produced fish all over the country and is a “go to” pattern for me fishing the Flint River and trout streams.
Bug’s Redfish Tickler is my favorite redfish pattern. I tie it in several colors, the best have been black, purple and rust.
My Smooth Operator minnow pattern is also a box stable. It’s tied with Kiley’s thin finz and American Tied Fly Magnum dubbing. These flies are solid producers for me year round in the waters I fish.
What is it that draws you to fly fishing and fly tying?
The art…It’s also provided therapy for me over the years.
Who is your biggest inspiration/mentor?
It all started with Bob Maricich, I owe him and his son RJ so much…They introduced me to fly fishing and tying. It was Bob’ basement that I referred to earlier. I also spent some time with Blane Chocklett when he had his shop in Roanoke, VA many years ago. There have been plenty of others along the way, but these guys are really what started it all for me.
What is your favorite book about fly tying? Why?
Blane Chocklett’s new Gamechanger book is awesome. Landon Mayer’s Guide Flies book is really good. Lefty’s Fly Fishing Saltwater is a classic, and Fly Fishing Georgia.
What are some favorite fly tying resources that you direct others to?
The Fly Fishing Show is an absolute must. If you haven’t been, you have to put it on the calendar for next year!
What was the first fly pattern you tied?
Probably a Wooly Bugger.
Is there a fly style that you are still interested in learning about?
I always enjoy seeing new patterns and meeting the fly tiers.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about beginning fly tying?
Find a pattern you like, tie 100 of them. Make each one better than the last, focus on the details. Thread wraps, proportions, etc. change up the colors, different variations.
What’s the first fly you typically recommend a beginner to learn to tie?
Wooly buggers and pheasant tails. You can fish them pretty much anywhere, and they are staples for any fly box.
Favorite and least favorite thing about tying flies?
I look forward to every chance I get to fill orders and tie flies. Like I said, it’s therapy for me. My least favorite thing about fly tying is that there is never enough time to tie!
What fly tying technique took you the longest to learn?
Cross wrapping crab bodies. It didn’t take long to learn, but it takes time and practice to get it right.
Let’s talk about fly tying equipment and materials:
Tell us about your scissors. Do you use a generic brand or specific style, and why?
Kopter Scissors. They are long lasting, and have a great edge. I want to try the Renomed scissors at some point.
What about bobbins: tension or no tension?
I prefer to tie with regular bobbins, as I am not a fan of the tension bobbins. I guess I’m just used to feeling the tension with my hands and knowing how and when to apply pressure.
Where do you source your fly-tying supplies? Why do you choose these resources over others?
Fly Skinz… Jonathan Kiley is one of most innovative thinkers in the fly tying material game right now.
Squimpish Flies…Their squimpish hair is some of the best streamer material on the market. It is very durable, moves great in the water and the color options are endless. Dave and Stephanie are great folks!
Semper Fli has the best threads in the industry and Ahrex hooks…They are by far the best hooks in the industry. Solid, super sharp.
Do you prefer synthetic or natural materials when you use it?
Most of what I tie with is synthetic materials.
What brand of hooks do you prefer to tie on?
Ahrex
What is your preference in head cement and resin?
Raidzap
Let’s talk about thread… How should a tier approach choosing the right thread for their fly?
I use the Semper Fli threads because of how strong they are relative to their diameter. I also tie with limited colors, a lot of white and then add color to it with sharpies.
What’s the one fly tying material you can’t live without? What’s so special about it?
My Renzetti vise. I can make due with a lot, but my vise and my custom base for it… It weighs about 10 lbs.
Do you tie for personal use, or do you sell your flies?
Both
What is your favorite fly pattern to tie? What is the intended species for the fly?
I don’t know if I have just one favorite, but I love tying inshore flies for redfish, tarpon, snook etc. Being that the Shoal Bass can only be caught in our local waters, it holds a special spot in my heart. Flies for Shoal Bass are always on my mind as well.
Where can people find your work?
I sell flies through the Fish Hawk in Atlanta, Kevin’s in Thomasville and Tallahassee, and my website – www.Southeasternflyworks.com. I look to add a couple more retail locations this year.
Instagram: @southeasternflyflyworks
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
Tying is an art, fly fishing is an art. You’re only limited by your imagination. I have met some of my greatest friends through fly fishing and tying. It’s a timeless hobby that can take you all over the world, or one that can be enjoyed in your own backyard on your local waters. I just encourage folks to give it a shot, spend some time on a vise and the water and see where it takes you.
