As we discussed in the recent article announcing the first ever fly swap event at About.com, swaps can be a fun way of building up your fly box with new flies as well as an excellent way to learn about different effective variations. For those of you that missed out on the swap, don't fret - we'll organize a second one shortly!

In the meantime, I discovered a site that you really should check out if you're interested in participating in fly swaps. Even if don't want to participate, this site is a wealth of information for fly tyers, and presently has a library of over 950 patterns!

Byard Miller has done a tremendous job as the webmaster of The Virtual Fly Box. Although the site does have some advertising, it is obvious by the quality and quantity of the work that this has been a labor of love for Miller. He has recently commenced a program to raise some funds so that he can continue the administration of what is becoming, if not already, one of the best fly tying pattern resources available anywhere! It is doubtful that any single book can offer the fly tyer the same information and quality that the Virtual Fly Box provides.

As well as a terrific search function, The Virtual Fly Box offers a complete pattern index for every fly on the site as well as a listing for the various swaps that have taken place. Some of my favorites include the new 'Catch & Cook Swap' hosted by John McBride; the amazing intricate results of the 'Chironomid Swap' hosted by John Abbot; and Chuck Nunnlley's 'Orange Fly Swap', which as you guessed it, consist of flies that have the color orange in them. I am looking forward to seeing the results of Miller's '99 Caddis' swap, a huge undertaking where each participant must tie 99 caddis flies!

As mentioned earlier, in order to keep the site running, Miller does need to raise some funds. This is done partly through advertising, but he is also offering something very unique to the users of the Virtual Fly Box. He is offering membership with benefits, but hopes he will not have to limit access to the site to paid members. So, what's he giving back in return? Some neat things actually!

Take a look at their membership page and consider the various levels of membership being offered between $5.00 and $100.00.

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