EclecticGuy

If you are in to fly tying and want to get better, have an excuse to tie more flies, and see some great work from other fly tyers, I highly recommend participating in a fly swap. Check out the Fly Swaps and Contests forum on FlyTyingForum.com to get started. There are other Web sites that host swaps – each has its own set of rules so make sure you read a few posts and any rules and policies the site has.

Basically, here is how a swap works:

• First, a tyer (the “host”) advertises the swap on the fourm. They may limit the number of entrants (tying 50 flies for a swap is a lot work!), and pick a theme for the fly like “salt water flies”, “foam flies”, or “wooly buggers”. They will also pick a deadline – make sure you can finish your flies and mail them BEFORE the deadline.
• If this is your first swap, make a post to the swap thread and say you would like to join (if the swap isn’t closed) and that this is your first swap. The other swappers and host will help you along! Many times, swappers will say what they are tying for the swap. It helps to see what others are doing and pick something unique.
• Tie your flies! If the swap has 10 entrants, you usually only need to tie 9 since you do not need to include one for yourself. Sometimes the host will state this or say that they want you to tie all 10. I always tie the total number plus 1 or 2 extras to make sure I send the best flies to the swap. Usually, all of the flies are good, so I’ll either send them to the host as a gift or keep them to donate to Casting for Recovery or another organization. Sometimes the host will announce that s/he will send extras to Casting for Recovery.
• Something to consider is whether you will squash down the hook’s barb. I always do since I practice catch and release. Some swaps ask that you do. If in doubt, ask! In fact, during the swap, it is a great idea to post to let people know you are working on your entry and to respond to other’s posts and photos.
• Once your flies are completed, you need to tag each one with your name at a bare minimum. I like to include the name of the fly, the date, hook size, and even a recipe on how to tie it. It also helps if you put your forum “handle” on the tag so people can relate it to you. Here is an example of a swap I entered a few years ago. Also, you can see from the photo above, you attach 1 fly to each tag at the hook.

• If you can, photograph your fly/flies. Some swaps don’t want you to post photos until after the swap so it will be a surprise when entrants open their packages. But it is great to keep a record of what you’ve tied and swapped.
• Package the flies for shipping. I usually use an Altoids tin but if you have a lot of big flies, you might need to use a small cardboard box. Whatever container you use, make sure to write your name on it! That way the host will know who’s flies are in the box. Also, the host will mail your swapped flies back to you in the box you sent.

• Now you need the host’s mailing address. This is usually done by sending a private message (PM) to the host to ensure their address is not plastered on the Web!
• The way the swap exchange works is this: you put your flies in a box and make sure they are tagged and your name is on the box. You then need 2 padded mailing envelops big enough to hold the box – one of them needs to be big enough to hold the box AND the 2nd envelope. You put your name and address in the “TO” field of the smaller envelope – make sure to include the host’s return address in the “RETURN” field. Put your box of flies into this envelope but DO NOT SEAL IT! Your host will mail your flies back to you in this envelope. On the other envelope, you put the host’s address in the “TO” field and yours in the “RETURN” field. Now, take everything to the post office. Wait in line. Wait some more. Then, when it is your turn, hand the clerk the envelope with the box in it (the one with YOUR address in the “TO” field. Ask for postage on that envelope and NOT to seal it! When the postage is attached, have the clerk hand it back to you. You then place this postage paid envelope inside the outer (and sometimes larger) envelope, seal it (it has the host’s address in the “TO” field), and ask for postage on this combined package. I usually say that I am doing a fly tying swap and the postal workers now know what that is! The package can be kept by the clerk and sent.
• The host will be collecting packages of flies up to the deadline. The sooner you can get the flies to him/her, the easier it is for him/her. It is actually a lot of work hosting a fly swap (try it after you have entered a few as a swapper). Once all of the flies are in, the host will take 1 fly from each entrant and put those back in your box, put that in the POSTAGE PAID envelope, seal it, and mail it back to you (when he mails all of the other swappers’ packages).
• Wait until your package comes in the mail. It is a bit like Christmas! 
• It is good practice to post on the swap thread that you got your flies and to thank the host and congratulate the other swappers for their great flies!

Here are some flies I’ve tied for swaps: