Sam Black, a senior at Charlotte Latin, has only been fly fishing for four years which, when it comes to a sport as intricate and technical as fly fishing, really isnt that long at all. However, Sam is wise beyond his years when it comes to the outdoor sport. His passion for fishing has driven him to spend hours upon countless hours both on the river and behind a vise mastering techniques that other anglers havent been able to perfect in twice or three times the years.
When it comes to tying flies, according to Sam, I pretty much taught myself. The internet was the easiest way [to learn]. Initially when I started tying Id have to watch someone do it online and copy every step. The hardest part is learning all the basic techniques. Once you overcome that every pattern is a possibility. His self-taught beginnings are far in the past, and now his mature skill and execution is in high demand.
Sam has tied all kinds of flies for hundreds of anglers, from popular trout flies like Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and stone fly patterns to bass flies, and even saltwater flies. I like when people have obscure orders like tarpon flies so I can tie something new, Sam said. The flies he creates are spot on. They are also truly innovative. Professional guides from the mountains of North Carolina to the waters of Islamorada have insisted that Sam make flies for their prolific fly boxes.
Word-of-mouth has been a windfall for Sams tying business. Initally he started selling his flies via the internet, but has moved away from online sales due to an influx of local orders. Once people see and hold his flies in person, they want them. Recently, he was added to the incredible sporting inventory available at Charlottes very own The Sporting Gent on Selwyn Avenue. There you can purchase assortments of Sams perfectly exectued flies, from bass and trout boxes to his coveted saltwater box. As Sam heads off to college next year he plans on pursuing his fly fishing dreams: to continue tying and to start guiding. We wish him nothing but the best of luck and are absolutely ecstatic that in Sam Black, Charlotte has produced yet another steward and promoter of the sport and conservation movement we all love. For more info email Sam at CarolinaFlyTiers@gmail.com or stop by and see his flies at www.TheSportingGent.com.
