By Luis San Miguel and Nicolás Schwint
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]im Teeny is one of the most innovative fly fishermen. His famous Teeny nymph and his series of fly lines have changed the sport forever, becoming a must for every fly angler. Jim has held ten IGFA world records, and his flies have held over 25 world records. Jim started the Teeny Nymph Company in July of 1971, now Jim Teeny, Inc., the business which Jim and his wife, Donna, run in Gresham, Oregon. Jim has appeared on many television shows and has written articles in major fishing publications. In 1988, Jim was featured in an award winning video, Catching More Steelhead, produced by Scientific Anglers. One of Jim’s proudest moments was taking the Gold at the “Pacific Rim Fly Fishing Tournament” held in B.C. Canada in September 2007. As a member of the TFO Advisory/Pro Staff, Jim’s innovative contributions have continued with his designing of the Jim Teeny Series of fly rods. It is our pleasure to share Jim’s interview with you.
FD: When did you start fly fishing? Could you tell us about your memories from those times?Jim: I started Fly Fishing at the age of 12 when my friend Jim Bagley taught me how to tie flies. When he showed me his new hobby I thought it looked like a lot of fun so I went to the local sporting goods store in Bend, Oregon and bought my first vise. I started as most people do, tying and using dry flies. After 4 years my biggest trout was a 16 incher! It was so cool to make a fly and then go catch something on it!
FD: The Teeny Nymph is perhaps one of the most popular patterns worldwide. Could you tell us the story behind this fly?
Jim: When I was a junior in High School I first tied the Teeny Nymph Fly for Oregon’s East Lake trout. At that time there were Monster Browns, Rainbows and Eastern Brook trout cruising the waters. It was the year earlier that my uncle Ray took some of us to fish East Lake. We were trolling Ford Fenders and worms and it was totally boring. I asked my uncle if he could drop me off on the shoreline by the big rock cliffs and I would fish from shore. Everyone was happy to get me out of the boat which gave them more room. What I saw cruising the shoreline was not to be believed! Giant trout cruising the shoreline before my eyes! I landed fish up to 20” but the big ones seemed too smart. Well, when the next season rolled around my dad, Fred Teeny, suggested that I tie something ugly so I did! It was the original Teeny Nymph which was first named the Abduli from my fishing buddy Dan Schacher. I kept the fly a secret for 9 years. It was in May of 1962 that I first tied this great pattern. Just for the Record, I have not fished with anything else since I started our business back in July 1, 1971. That includes Fresh and Saltwater.
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