Veniard & Mustad Fly Tying Consultant – Barry Ord Clarke has just been voted Fly Tyer Magazine’s Fly Tyer of the Year 2021. The prestigious award honours the exceptional international contribution Barry has made to the world of fly tying with his innovative approach of linking his clear step-by-step tying instructions in book-form to his popular YouTube channel videos which then show him tying EXACTLY the same fly online. This ground-breaking ‘pairing’ is a first in the world of fly tying instruction.

His offer of responding online to all questions about his tying techniques has further strengthened his message around the world: that with clear instruction in both print and video, coupled with the right background advice, anyone can learn to tie flies which not only look good but also catch fish.

Barry is British, lives and works in Norway, and regularly demonstrates at fly tying exhibitions throughout Europe and the USA. A renowned photographer in his own right, his tying images are crystal clear, minimalist and stylish. His approachable attitude and innovative tying techniques have encouraged thousands of beginners to take up the hobby in the first place or more experienced tyers to up their game.

His new book, Flytying for Beginners, pub. Merlin Unwin Books, is out now and already gaining plaudits from around the world. It will also be published in the USA by Skyhorse Publishing in spring 2022. 

The Fly Tyer of the Year will receive a wonderful bronze sculpture provided by Ott Jones Wildlife & Sporting Sculpture.