Behind his fly-tying desk, Les has a peg-board wall full of labelled bags of dyed rooster, peacock, turkey, duck and goose feathers of many types, lengths and colors.

He has two separate drawers full of fish line, various widths and shades of thread, hooks, and polish, everything you would think a fly-tyer could need. But, Les says, "...there are so many new things on the market now."

How to learn fly-tying? You should probably buy a basic beginner kit (about $30) until you decide what to do," Les cautions. His favourite book on the subject? The Fly-Tying Bible by Peter Gathercole .

Flyfishing magazines such as Fly Fishing and Tying Journal are usually good as well. Look for clear pictures with step-by-step instructions. There are thousands of websites on the Internet to either sell you supplies or help with tips and patterns. If you get into trouble, ask anyone that ties his own flies for advice.

Some equipment Les uses now that he's experienced includes a retractable bobbin, a Nor-Vise to hold the hook at one end and stretched thread at the other, a good desk light with a magnifying glass and a whip-finish tool.

But you don't have to go off the deep end buying everything at once. It takes awhile to build up supplies. Friends are always dropping off feathers and fur, some from road kill, as well as old nail polish or anything shiny Les might find useful in his quest to simulate and stimulate.