I would have to say my first mentor was Big Dale. (he is in Texas) He sent me some flies, and I fell in love with streamers then. He also sent me a bunch of materials. Big Dale also told me how to make streamer heads the old way, which has been very helpful. I can do a pretty good painted eye, and glossy head because of him. Stu here, I would also consider someone who has influenced my tying. I loved his flies, and his DDH Leech was one of my favorite patterns from the beginning! He has been very helpful to me, and he inspires me. Mark Romero took an interest in me, and he inspired me in several avenues. Bob Petti's work, and articles have been very inspirational to me. I loved Tom Nixon's work, and he inspired me. Ivan (Bugman) is a local friend, (along with his wife, also a tyer), they have both inspired me. So many people have given me materials to feed my obsession. I started tying in Jan of 2008. I would say that Mike Boyer's work is very inspirational, although I doubt seriously if I could ever attain his perfection in tying. Don Bastian has also been someones work I admire a great deal. Ray(letumgo) has amazing work too, that I loved. He ties just about every style there is, and I have always admired his work. My biggest cheering section to keep me motivated would be Big Dale, Stu, Mick, Bass Bug, and Dave Mac, and Mark R. I get motivation daily by viewing the work, and creativity of other tyers. I spend far too much time viewing other people's amazing work. I am sure there are others I will think about later. But these are the ones that pop up first in my mind.
