Fly Tyer Spotlight: Sander Zuidinga

Fly Tyer Spotlight:

Sander Zuidinga

Fly tying is a wonderful pastime and in our “Fly Tyer Spotlight” column, we present some of the most talented and innovative fly tyers across Europe and beyond. They are fly tyers worthy of acclaim and attention – and they represent a great source of creative inspiration.

BY The Editorial Staff

Name: Sander Zuidinga

Age: 46 Home

¨country: The Netherlands

Instagram profile: @sanderzuidinga

How did you get into fly tying?

From a young age, I would always make lures from whatever materials I could source - trying to solve a specific problem. (Or quite simply because I didn’t have the money to buy all the fancy lures).

Fast-forward about twenty years, I started fly fishing. However, because we don’t have trout or grayling in the Netherlands, I targeted chub, roach, and carp with store-bought trout flies and nymphs. I even fished for perch with Crazy Charlie’s, catching more seaweeds than perch.

So, I started tying my own flies, thus solving the challenges I encountered when fishing; like faster- or slower sink rates, for instance. Looking back, a lot of those challenges and problem-solving endeavours were just excuses to hide the fact that - I sometimes - suck at fishing. But at least I enjoy myself.

Oftentimes, when I fish, I’m more focused on how my streamers move than on actually catching a pike or whatever I’m off targeting. It’s as if I’m mesmerized, and because of my mental state I almost get a heart attack whenever my fly is inhaled by a hungry pike.

What is it about fly tying that you like so much?

What I like most about fly tying is trying to realize what I formulate in my mind. It’s awesome when your creation works. And it’s equally awesome when it fails because then you have a reason to remobilize and tie an improved version. Perhaps it’s a cliché, but for me it’s more about the journey than the arrival.

What kind of flies do you most enjoy to tie and why?

The flies I tie most commonly are baitfish patterns, ranging from small to pretty large. Although I never fish with dry flies or nymphs, I do like to tie flies like “the Usual” by Fran Betters and Pheasant Tail Nymphs in several varieties. The most satisfying of them would be “the Reversed Parachute” by the late Roy Christie. My favourite baitfish pattern, at the moment, would be my take on a flatwing fly – a pattern I use a lot for seabass.

What are the most important/determining factors when you design a new fly pattern?

My standard rule is that a fly only catches fish when it’s in the water, so it needs to be easy to cast and it should be foul proof without loss of movement.

What’s your favourite fish species to catch and why?

Pike! The stealth, the fierceness, and the fearless look in their eyes. I really identify with pike (but only when it comes to stealth).

I also feel strongly about seabass! They’re strong and beautiful. We usually just fish for seabass when it’s too hot to fish for pike, so I’m not anywhere near a specialist - but I love the scenery, the atmosphere and the sudden tug that puts you right back in your waders.

Do you fish flies that require adapted/alternative fishing techniques?

Not really. I’d probably forget the technique while I’m applying it anyway.

What’s your all-time favourite fly and why?

My favourite fly to tie is a 12cm flatwing. That size is perfect when it comes to getting all the proportions just right according to how I like them.

My favourite fly to fish is the “Bigstreamers Baitfish Fiber Fly in the colours Firetiger, Perch and Bream. Essentially, it’s the the same baitfish pattern in different colours. This pattern is easy to cast but still has plenty of bulk to make some underwater noise. It’s definitely my fishing favourite.

Are there any specific fly tyers that have influenced and inspired you over the years?

Along the way, every tyer develops his or her own tricks. I did too, of course, but there are a few fellow fly tyers that have really influenced me - like Giovanni di Pace, Paul Monaghan, Jari Koski and Dron Lee.

These gentlemen have amazing skills, are innovative, and - most importantly - they’re willing to share their knowledge.