Calling all tyers: do you specialize to a certain type?

[bearhuntr]

Gents(and ladies?)
I have tied flies since 1970. Living in Alaska since "Ike" was president has been a real boon to my opportunities for participating in this "specialized hobby!" (Being an avid hunter has not hurt my "materials stockpile" either!) My question is premised on an opinion that states: "being geographically landlocked will usually sway the tyer to those types of patterns best utilized locally!"  (Huh? Wat the help did he just say? )
Stated another way, I live among several streams that have wonderful rainbow and steelhead fishing, as well as four types of Pacific salmon to choose from. Through the years, I have modified (and thus specialized) steelhead patterns to use successfully for all of the above. Though I know that I could tie most any pattern, I also realize that my best efforts towards tying a, say, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, wouldn't have the same "showroom quality" as would a "Green Butt Skunk" or a "Salmo Special" or a "Whatsizthing" etc. Any takers? :lol: I realize that this question is rather esoteric; however, is flyfishing really not?
best,
bhtr

[myronman3]

i havent tied in 2 years due to moving around (job transfers).   i mostly putzed around with it when i was a kid,  couldnt afford to buy anything for materials.   so if i couldnt shoot it or substitute something else for it,  i couldnt tie it.  i look at some of my "flys"  and think"yeesh!"   my favorite pattern is the royal wulff.   the parachute flys are also a favorite,  because they are very durable and float easily.   i love to tie streamers; they grey ghost is my favorite pattern that i can tie.   my all time favorite fly (i would never be skilled enough to tie) is the jock scott.   i have always looked for one for sale so i could buy it and have it framed just to look at.   what a beautiful fly!!!
someday soon i will have to unpack my stuff and set it up,  although my son (almost 2 now) would be in it in a heartbeat and that wouldnt make me happy.    :eek:     so i might wait a while before i unpack it.  
unfortunatly,  trout fishing isnt what it used to be here anymore.  maybe some day i will find a pristine stream to fish once again,  although i think the odds are against me.   maybe when my boy gets old enough to go on excursions with dad....