Tommy Olinsson is 44 years old and lives in Bramming in southwest Jutland, a region with many beautiful rivers holding trout, grayling, and salmon. Tommy Olinsson has been fly fishing for 32 years and fishes in Danish waters as well as in Ireland, Scotland, and Sweden.

Tommy began tying flies at age 12.  A very nice neighbour introduced him to the fascinating art of fly tying.  Ever since, he has specialized in specific fly types, from classic English trout flies, dry flies, and nymphs to put-and-take flies, French flies, Irish and Scottish salmon flies, classic Danish sea trout flies, coastal flies, classic full-bodied salmon flies, American streamers, and tied-hair poppers.  In other words, practically every type of fly pattern a fly fisher needs.

Nevertheless, his speciality are flies tied by hand without a fly vise.

At the show, you can see Tommy tie flies using only his hands as was done at the beginning of fly tying.  Depending on the time available, these will be Spey and Dee flies as well as classic full-bodied salmon flies.

You will be able to experience the total process of tying a traditional, hand-tied fly, with eyeless hooks attached to the leader with silk thread.

Tommy's working hours are split between being a master machinist on a ferry and being a fly tyer and guide.

For 25 years, he has used his flies on local waters in Denmark.  His earlier emphasis on trout fishing with a light, one-handed rod has now shifted to fishing for sea trout and salmon with a two-handed rod.

Grayling are still very special for him.  He "hunts" them with great enthusiasm on small streams in his neighbourhood.  He also fishes the eastern caost of southern Jutland, Funen, and the small island of Læsø.

He guides on the Kongeåen, Varde å, and Skjerne å, as well as smaller waters in the Herning area and southern Denmark.

Tommy has not only tied flies for 32 years, he has also taught fly tying for many years and has been a show fly-tyer since 1992.  In the latter capacity he has travelled widely and demonstrated the varied possibilities for hand-tying flies.

He is also the man behind the website www.danishflydesign.dk which shows the largest collection of Irish flies on the internet.  On the website are step-by-step instructions for a number of well-known fly patterns.  The instructions are also in German.  There is a section about old, traditional spey flies and how they are tied.  The website offers a great opportunity for a bit of inspiration before visiting the EWF. You can read everything about fishing trips, flies, tying techniques, and whatever else belongs to your hobby.

Tommy will work with John Lind, the hook maker, at the EWF.  Together, they will show the total process of producing a fly.  The two gentlemen speak and understand some German, but will also gladly explain in English.