It is somewhere in the midst of most any winter season, when many folks scramble to keep their wits and fight cabin fever, that the average fly tier casually takes a seat at the vise to ponder and plan the lethal concoctions for the season to come.

Often, in somewhat ritualistic fashion, certain nights are routinely set aside for this all important task. If magic is to unfold, if the tier is to succeed, uninterrupted peace is essential. Such delicate feats of mastery require concentration, focus and a steady hand - most giant wild trout will not be fooled by just any old haphazard bug.

With a long night ahead and the mood set right, the tier begins what could be considered an arduous task that consumes the senses. From envisioning a fly that has yet to take form to choosing the appropriate materials to get the job done, there is much that can drain the body and mind. Snacks and plentiful beverages compliment the process well, assisting with energy levels and conjuring the creative spirit.

With a selection of hackle, a wrap of chenille and rotation of wire, a fly begins to unfold. With another snip and a twist, a push and a clip, the shape is further defined and the resemblance of an insect might even grow evident to the casual observer. Interestingly enough, once the whip finish is complete and the last dab of cement has been touched to the thread, the artistic work that is seemingly done has really only just begun.

It is now, having removed the fly from the vise and placed it gently on the table, that a name must be issued so as to give the fly identity and purpose, attitude and everything else. Flies without names are just flies, lost and soon forgotten. However, flies named appropriately are instantly bound for potential legend in the years to come regardless of their success on the water.

To find these names is difficult and often thinking only proves to cloud the process. By concentrating and trying to make it happen, names such as Trout Killer, Old Longtail, Madison Special, Super Nymph and Foam Ant are likely all that will result. Such names are boring and often the fly will become equally lifeless.

Obviously, the concept of entomologically correct flies can lead one to consider the use of Latin when naming their creation. And while this thought process is noble, intelligent and scientifically accurate, Hexagenia recurvata sub imago isn't bound to rivet most crowds. So where do we head from here, where is the genius that was involved in the creation of the Chernobyl Ant, Warden's Worry or Chili Dog?

Perhaps the fly tier should look to the world of bass fishing where incredible names seem fairly standard. Instead of Riffle Dragon or Metallic Caddis, which are both reasonable names in the fly-fishing arena, the bass angler simply goes for broke. Just a quick glance through my tackle box found a Lunker City Spanky, Houdini Wacky Worm, Sweet Cheeks Special, Bass Grappler and a Megabait Yabby. Now these are names. Names with pizzazz, names with character, names that put us in the state of mind that catches fish.

Suddenly it grows quite clear that creativity doesn't stop with a few mere wraps of thread and tinsel. We must push ourselves indefinitely until the fly is truly complete. A brief look through the Thesaurus produces some thoughts in the name game. Perhaps the Unremitting Caddis or Objectionable Sculpin would work? Maybe not.

Much like the quest for the perfect fly or the biggest fish, that of finding fitting names for creations of fur and feather is somewhat eternal. Realistically we wouldn't want it any other way.

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