Published Nov 7. 2011 - 12 years ago
Updated or edited Nov 27. 2020

David Mac

David's Streamers #171 William Dawes - David Mac #210 Bittersweet - David Mac #232 Yellow A. J. Randall - David Mac #257 Janine Marie - David Mac #287...

David Mac


David's Streamers

#7 The Manager - David Mac
#27 Beige Grimard - David Mac
#51 Miss Ena Martell - David Mac
#69 Martha Elliot - David Mac
#91 The Spinster - David Mac
#116 Daniel Hatch - David Mac
#132 Spotted Cardinal - David Mac
#151 Lady Dawes - David Mac
#171 William Dawes - David Mac #171 William Dawes - David Mac
#210 Bittersweet - David Mac #210 Bittersweet - David Mac
#232 Yellow A. J. Randall - David Mac #232 Yellow A. J. Randall - David Mac
#257 Janine Marie - David Mac #257 Janine Marie - David Mac
#287 Niece #1 - David Mac #287 Niece #1 - David Mac
#306 Nephew #1 - David Mac #306 Nephew #1 - David Mac
#329 Purple Kate - David Mac #329 Purple Kate - David Mac
David's Biography

David has been tying flies since 1964 and as it does many tyers addicted to the vise, brought him countless hours of enjoyment. As a young guest at the United Fly Tyers meetings in Boston, MA, David was introduced to streamers by many of the great tyers of the day. In the 1970's he spent a decade providing streamers to many of the finest Maine fly shops and camps.

Every year for the past 40 years, David has been tying streamers for a very loyal group of clients from all over the world. Now their children and grandchildren are his clients and each year he always adds one or two specially commissioned streamers for each. None of these special one-of-a-kind streamers were ever published or sold to shops.

David's health has kept him away from fly fishing...all those big fish catches are not good for his heart. As expected, he dearly misses his time on the water, but has keep waist deep in fly fishing by taking part in the online forums, and reading about the adventures on the waters, shared by friends. It reminds him of not what he is missing, but what he has enjoyed.

David has consolidated his fly tying to mostly Rangeley Streamers and tandems, because, he states, "I love them". It is also an attempt to keep his personal hook and material purchases down to just the necessary ones. He is grateful and fortunate that the Internet has brought with it, hundreds of new fly tying friends that communicate weekly and sometimes daily.

David began a small Natural Fly tying Materials business in 2011, something he looks forward to retiring with. His website has been up for several months now: http://www.Tiethefly.com and offers some unique furs and feathers you will find difficult to locate elsewhere including some wonderful materials for streamers. You can always find David hanging out at the forum for Fly Tyer Magazine where he is a welcome voice of encouragement as his position of Moderator.
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Comments

Comment to David Mac...

David, it is so good to read your story, and finally see a picture of you too! I am dying with anticipation on the unveiling of your flies!!

Comment to David Mac...

Can't wait to see more of your streamers David, I own a few of them.

Comment to David Mac...

Proud to know you on the Fly Tyers forum, would like to shake your hand someday. I like the way you leading yourself in life as best as I can see from here. I am intently looking forward to seeing these flys and more.

Comment to David Mac...

I want to see some flies also, I am so glad I joined Fly Tyer forum and have started to get to know more about and learning to tie streamers, thank you for all you do for our sport

Comment to David Mac...

Look forward to the unveiling of the streamers, David. I've really enjoyed our chats and getting to know you this past year. You are a superb tier and a gentleman. Hopefully we can sit down and tie together one of these days.

Comment to David Mac...

Thank you Mike, it is my pleasure to count you amongst my friends

Comment to David Mac...

Thank you Jamie,

It has been my pleasure getting to know you. I enjoy your tying very much

Comment to David Mac...

Randy,

The feeling is mutual my friend. Your humor, your attention to detail when tying and your enthusiasm...it is what this is all about

Comment to David Mac...

Yes you do Mike, and a few special ones too!!! You are a good friend and it has amazing journey watching your tying.

Comment to David Mac...

Kelly, you are a very talented streamer tyer. It has been my pleasure to watch your journey. The years to come will be very special ones for you. I look forward to every new fly that you tie.

Comment to David Mac...

David,
It is always good to see the face behind the avatar! I see that you bring years of experience and talent and share it so generously. I often save flies on Facebook that I like and publish some (with tyer permission!) on my website. I few month ago I saved one that is simply titled streamers365. It is quite beautiful. Have you posted on Facebook? Can't wait to see your offerings. Thanks for all that you offer to the fly tying community.

Comment to David Mac...

Thank you for your kind words Avril, the tying that you bring to the FlyTyer Forum is always welcomed by Beginners and Advanced tyers alike. You truly are a wonderful person and I am so glad to know you.

Comment to David Mac...

David, it's been great getting to know you and I too can't wait to see these flys. You are one of the best moderators ever and make us all welcome on the fly tyers forum.
Thank you so much.

Comment to David Mac...

Jim, so nice of you to say my friend. It has been a pleasure reading and responding to your wonderful forum posts. Please keep them coming!

Comment to David Mac...

David,

You have been a great mentor to me, and you are certainly someone I look up to. I enjoyed listening to all the stories you told me in any of the various chat sessions. You have been a major inspiration to me, and you helped me push myself to become better and better. Although I'm no expert, I certainly wouldn't be at the level I am without out you. I truly appreciate you, and ll you have done for me, forum, and the fly fishing community,

Gaeron

Comment to David Mac...

Dave,

I'm looking forward to seeing the flies you've submitted for this project. Between you and Kelly, you two have really opened my eyes to a facet of fly tying I barely knew existed.

Roger

Comment to David Mac...

Many Thanks Roger, you have truly been a good friend to me. It has been a joy moderating the FlyTyer Forum with you. Without your Techie help, this Old Tyer would have been blind online. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful streamers that will be introduced on January 1, 2012. We shall make every attempt to get you hooked on streamers in the near future.

Comment to David Mac...

Gaeron my friend, it has been a pleasure watching you progress as a fly tyer. Your techniques and tying skills are impressive. I have no doubt that we will see your name in print soon. I also enjoy your blog at My Life On The Fly

Comment to David Mac...

I second that

Comment to David Mac...

David.... those good words have been spoken by up stairs.... I can only say:
You are Handsome and your Flies are Awesome...!!!

Comment to David Mac...

Dron, it has been such a pleasure getting to know you. You are the most talented foam tyer I have ever seen. Your willingness to share your creations with others, your wonderful humor and your participation on the forum are a gift to all. Can't wait for your first book!!! Thank you for your kind words my friend.

Comment to David Mac...

Dave, great to get a chance to see the man behind "DMAC"! I am always impressed by yours and many others streamer work. Very nice Sir! And thnaks much for th elink to your page.

Ralph

Comment to David Mac...

Ralph, I am proud to count you amongst my friends. It has been a joy moderating the FlyTyer Forum with you. Your wonderful blog has been a daily ritual for me. As an Author, Your books at http://relongbooks.blogspot.com/ have been great reads and I highly recommend them.

Comment to David Mac...

David Mac I eagerly look forward to viewing all your streamers. The ones you provided for our Maine trip were spot on. Robert sends his best and his Thanks for another thrilling vacation. Thank you

Comment to David Mac...

Thank you Sandra, always a pleasure to hear about your fishing trips. I will have to publish a photo of your streamers soon, so that others can see why your trips are so successful!

Comment to David Mac...

Dave, beautiful work! Feather wing streamers are the most beautiful dressings to adorn a hook and become a "fly", especially when done by tiers like yourself that take so much pride in their workmanship.
Well done, good luck,

Kirk

Comment to David Mac...

Kirk, Thank you very much for your kind comments. Your flies are a real pleasure to see every single time. I look forward to getting to know you better and I definitely look forward to your next creation.

Comment to David Mac...

David - - When will the "David Mac - All Tied Up" book be available? Best fishes, Rod

Comment to David Mac...

Thanks Rod....LOL....That's would be a great name for a book. Just like most of us, I have had one in mind for a long long time. Retirement is on the horizon, so one never knows!!!

Adirondackflytyer's picture

Comment to David Mac...

Cant wait for the unveil Dave. And its nice to finally put a face with the name!

Comment to David Mac...

Thank you so much Jeremy :) I am counting down the days. Can't remember when I had so much anticipation about a Fly Tying event. Darren has done a wonderful job with this Project and I believe it will only grow in participants as the year progresses.

Adirondackflytyer's picture

Comment to David Mac...

This project sounds like something I'd be interested in..........maybe next year?

Comment to David Mac...

David: I just visited your web site as posted on streamers 365. I am looking forward to seeing your flies on the project 365. I hope you enjoy the project as much as I do. Thanks for posting your picture I hope you enjoy what am sending you.

Comment to David Mac...

Thank you Charlie, I am looking forward to visiting you in the near future. Your Maine Game Warden Streamer Fly has always been one of my favorites and will share a prominent space on my office wall.

Comment to David Mac...

Hey David! Get well soon my friend.

"Game fish are too valuable to only be caught once." Lee Wulff

Comment to David Mac...

Good to read your story. You're a tremendous inspiration.

Comment to David Mac...

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles." - Doug Larson

Get well soon!

Comment to David Mac...

Wishing you well and all the best :)
"My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it." Koos Brandt

Comment to David Mac...

Be patient and calm - for no one can catch fish in anger. - Herbert Hoover

Comment to David Mac...

Welcome back and feel at your best soon!! :-)

Comment to David Mac...

This is one type of fishing I have always wanted to try... Hope ya get well soon David, cheers M8

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon!

Comment to David Mac...

"If fishing is interfering with your business, give up your business." Sparse Grey Hackle

Comment to David Mac...

"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."-J.B. Martin
Get well soon David!

Comment to David Mac...

May you have a swift transition and a record breaker on your line!

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon David. Remember: "Be patient and calm - for no one can catch fish in anger." - Herbert Hoover 

Comment to David Mac...

Beautiful flies, David. Being in one of Nova Scotia's best fly fishing regions, we appreciate your work. Slàinte mhor! Wishing you great health. Doug at the Authentic Seacoast

Comment to David Mac...

Very beautiful and interesting specimens. I think that effectively attract fish.

Comment to David Mac...

I hope you will be feeling better soon! ; )

"I have fished through fishless days that I remember happily without regret." - Roderick Haig-Brown

Comment to David Mac...

Welcome home! You have a gorgeous place to work and that has to be good for the soul. It will be extra sweet right now, I am sure. Feel better, tie well.

Comment to David Mac...

Here's to your speedy recovery and a happy return to the world of tying flies!

Comment to David Mac...

When you get home from hospital, sit down, listen to Schubert's Trout Quintet, pour yourself your favourite drink and open up a copy of J R Hartley's 'The Art of Fly Fishing' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._Hartley) I challenge you to feel anything other than relaxed and smiling.

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon though the fish are hoping you stay out of commission a little bit longer.

Comment to David Mac...

good luck to you, David Mac :)

Comment to David Mac...

Get well David

Comment to David Mac...

Hope you have a speedy recovery! The colors in that pic are amazing, no wonder the fish want to get at them!

Comment to David Mac...

Start tying some more flies as you will be back trout fishing before you know. All my best on your complete recovery. Have a fishtastic day.

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon! Nice work on the fly tying!

Comment to David Mac...

Get at healthy as a fish soon!

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon! :)

Comment to David Mac...

Hope your feeling better Dave, heard you have been under the weather lately.

Comment to David Mac...

Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world. It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way. A form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.
Feel better

Comment to David Mac...

Glad to see you didn't 'pike' out, you old trout!

Comment to David Mac...

"We got no troubles, Life is the bubbles, Under the sea..." as the Little Mermaid says. :) Get well soon, David, wish you a speedy recovery!

Comment to David Mac...

Be great soom!!!

Comment to David Mac...

Outrageously inspired to see how much you are adored! Were you fishing for a compliment???
joy and hugs, Shawne

Comment to David Mac...

Keep doing what you're doing and be well!....:-)

Comment to David Mac...

Get well David!

Comment to David Mac...

"There will be days when the fishing is better than one's most optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home." Roderick Haig-Brown

May you have many more days ahead of not "just staying home"! Get well!

Comment to David Mac...

Hi David,

Your buddy ANGLER really thinks you are SUPER!
Just dropping by to give you a #LIKESUP and hope your are feeling better.

Sherrie
P.S. Awesome flies - works of art!

Comment to David Mac...

Hi David, welcome back! Looking forward to the next flies! :)

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon!!! Aloha

Comment to David Mac...

May your days be filled with fish as big as your mind can conceive. Happy Monday, Hope you are feeling better.

Comment to David Mac...

Don't take it too easy when you get home, go fishing!

Comment to David Mac...

Get well David, would like to go fishing with u!!!

Comment to David Mac...

Cheers! By a stranger:
"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary" Patrick McManus

BTW: (e)ANGLER has sent me :-o

Comment to David Mac...

Welcome back

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon stranger, someone out there really cares for you.

Comment to David Mac...

I hope you are feeling better and have a speedy recovery.

I lived in Idaho for a couple of years while my son was a very "active" teenager. Getting out on the river was the only thing that kept me from wringing his neck. He's now in college and it is probably safe to say that he was saved by the trout.

Comment to David Mac...

Hope you get well soon :-)

Comment to David Mac...

"One thing becomes clearer as one gets older and one's fishing experience increases, and that is the paramount importance of one's fishing companions" John Ashley-Cooper

Get well soon :)

Comment to David Mac...

Welcome Home!

Comment to David Mac...

welcome home and hope you are feeling better! go fishing and make sure you get completely well :)

Comment to David Mac...

You have a great friend from Empire Avenue who encouraged me and others in his network to wish you well. I hope you feel better!

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon & welcome home

Comment to David Mac...

Be well!

Comment to David Mac...

David, first get better. Second, Roderick Haig-Brown once said; "I have fished through fishless days that I remember happily without regret." Thought I would relate one of those day. So I am on the edge of a lake full of trout and Big mouth. Great spot, right under a hugh pine tree. Nothing all day but I am loving it. Then from across the lake, a spot a bird. It keeps getting bigger, and bigger. Straight out in front of me. It hits the water and snags a beautiful fish, then lands right above me in that pine. Next thing I know fish scales are falling on my head. I must admit it was one beautiful eagle. I packed up and left him to his dinner. Best to you and yours, Robert

Comment to David Mac...

Welcome home, David! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Comment to David Mac...

“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.”

Comment to David Mac...

Life is but a trial which leads us through many trails, you are stronger for it, Live Life to the fullest and let's count all our blessings, Cheers, Be strong, Be Healthy, Be Happy..:)

Comment to David Mac...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Comment to David Mac...

Kudos on getting your grandchildren interested in your hobby, hope I can do that too one day :-)

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon and remember the shortest distance between two points is a straight line in the opposite direction!

Comment to David Mac...

Get well soon David - those fish are just waiting to bite and for you to haul them in. regards from Down Under

Comment to David Mac...

"The fish and I were both stunned and disbelieving to find ourselves connected by a line." William Humphrey in "The Armchair Angler"

Comment to David Mac...

David: I did not know of your recent health issue. So a belated GET WELL SOON. I hope we can get together in Maine as soon as you fell up to taking a ride. Sixteen year ago, while working for Maine DIF&W I started a program called Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs. teaching kid how to fish. I am glad to hear that you are also involved with fishing and fly tying. Take care children

Comment to David Mac...

David, I just the beautiful fly you tied at the top of all these posts. I also am sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery from your latest setback. Looking forward to chatting with you again soon. Take care. Loretta

Comment to David Mac...

Dave,

Get well soon. I always look forward to your comments on the Fly Tyer site.

Walt

Comment to David Mac...

Hey David Mac! Thanks for introducing me to the Fly Tyer Forum and all the great people here. Thanks in part to everyone with the FTF, we had great success with our Fly-A-Thon 2012. We donated more than 2,500 handmade flies to the Reel Recovery and Casting for Recovery programs. Get well soon! Best fishes, Rodster

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