Nick Davis | Fly Tying for Snook & Tarpon at 239 Flies | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 480

Nick Davis is the owner of 239 Flies, a fly tying shop in Southwest Florida specializing in innovative saltwater fly patterns for snook and tarpon. In this returning episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Nick reveals what's happening at their brand-new shop location that's bigger than ever before, the specific materials and color combinations that trigger aggressive strikes from snook, and why tarpon flies need a completely different approach to silhouette and profile. He also pulls back the curtain on the tie-dye shirt side of the business that's become unexpectedly popular, and shares his philosophy on building a fly fishing community around innovation rather than just replicating old patterns. If you're serious about saltwater fly fishing or want to understand what makes effective patterns work, this conversation delivers.

The New Shop Location: More Space, More Community

About a month before this recording, Nick Davis moved 239 Flies into a completely new location in Southwest Florida. The upgrade wasn't just about square footage—it was about creating the kind of space where the fly tying community could actually gather. Nick describes a bigger tying area where customers can come in, tie with his staff, ask questions, and learn techniques firsthand. The product display expanded significantly, making it easier for customers to see all the materials and tools available. Inventory management became simpler. And the response? Nick says customers have been bringing friends to check it out, while calls from anglers across the country asking about shipping materials have increased dramatically. Nick describes the full vision for the new shop starting at 2:35.

Snook Fly Design: Why Contrast and Durability Matter

When Nick breaks down what makes a snook fly effective, he focuses on three critical elements: movement, contrast, and durability. Snook are aggressive predators that respond to flies with action, which is why 239 Flies uses synthetic materials that have a lot of movement in the water. But there's a color secret that consistently produces strikes—snook really like contrast, especially black and white combinations. The size sweet spot sits between 2 and 3 inches long. And because snook have sharp teeth that can shred flies quickly, Nick uses materials like flash, bucktail, and synthetic fibers specifically chosen to withstand abuse. The complete breakdown of snook fly characteristics starts at 4:08.

Tarpon Flies: Profile, Silhouette, and the Colors That Trigger Strikes

Tarpon flies demand a completely different approach than snook patterns. Nick explains that tarpon are big, strong fish requiring a lot of horsepower, which means flies typically measure 3 to 5 inches long with substantial bulk. Because tarpon have very hard mouths, 239 Flies uses stiffer materials for the bodies that can withstand impact during casting and retrieval. But here's the critical insight Nick shares: tarpon hunt visually by looking down and seeing the silhouette of the fly in the water. That means profile from above matters more than most anglers realize. A slim profile and good visibility from above can make the difference. As for colors, tarpon consistently respond to chartreuse, orange, white, red, and black. Nick notes that bright colors often work better on sunny days, while darker colors perform in overcast conditions or stained water, though in general, tarpon prefer bright, contrasting colors. The full tarpon fly philosophy and color selection strategy starts at 4:53.

The Tie-Dye Shirt Business Nobody Expected

A couple of years ago, 239 Flies started making tie-dye shirts. What began as a side project has become a huge part of the business. Each shirt is hand-dyed, which means every single one is unique—a detail customers love. Nick uses high-quality t-shirts and dyes them in different patterns and colors, selling them both online and in the shop. They've become popular with anglers and represent a fun way for people to rep 239 Flies. It's one of those business pivots that nobody planned but everybody embraced. Nick explains how the community has responded to having one-of-a-kind shirts that you can't get anywhere else. The story of how tie-dye became a major product line starts at 7:09.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I always enjoy having Nick back on the podcast. There's something refreshing about talking with someone who's building a business around genuine passion for the craft and the community, not just trying to move product. The insights he shares about snook and tarpon flies aren't theoretical—they come from tying thousands of flies and watching what actually works in Southwest Florida waters.

What I appreciate most about Nick's approach is the focus on innovation and experimentation. He's not content just copying patterns that have always been around. He's constantly testing new materials and color combinations, then sharing what works with the community. That's how the sport evolves.

If you're into saltwater fly fishing or thinking about getting into fly tying, this episode is packed with practical information you can use immediately. Listen to the whole thing—Nick breaks down the specific materials, colors, and techniques that make his patterns so effective.