Showing posts with label tying materials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tying materials. Show all posts
October 20, 2014
July 8, 2013
chum bucket
The carp of Beaver Island and Lake Michigan are unlike any other, they prefer meat and plenty of it. Out on the expansive flats of BI, I want to use any advantage I can get to help separate my fly from the abundantly plentiful round gobies and sculpins that the carp feed on. I tied up the Chum Bucket utilizing materials exhibiting visibility in the ultraviolet spectrum. UV visibility always adds an edge in cloudy weather, deeper water, or low light conditions. Even in bright sunlight, UV visibility can make your fly stand out on the flats.
When looking for UV materials to tie with, don't just go by the labels on the materials. Just because an item is marked UV doesn't mean it will show up in the UV spectrum. Sometimes it just gives off a purple UV like appearance instead of actual UV luminescence. Do yourself a favor and pick up a small UV light. I have a keychain sized UV light from Loon that was originally designed to cure their UV epoxies, adhesives, and paints, but now serves as a compact useful tool to bring along to fly shops and craft stores to help identify UV products.
Toss out the Chum Bucket and see what follows.
When looking for UV materials to tie with, don't just go by the labels on the materials. Just because an item is marked UV doesn't mean it will show up in the UV spectrum. Sometimes it just gives off a purple UV like appearance instead of actual UV luminescence. Do yourself a favor and pick up a small UV light. I have a keychain sized UV light from Loon that was originally designed to cure their UV epoxies, adhesives, and paints, but now serves as a compact useful tool to bring along to fly shops and craft stores to help identify UV products.
Toss out the Chum Bucket and see what follows.
March 12, 2012
Party With Sluts
Winter seemingly lasted only a couple weeks around here this year, an odd departure from last year's season of doom and gloom and record snowfall. I'll take it.
I'll take anything I can get, in fact. I am a whore. A fly fishing whore to be exact. I love spending countless hours down at the river brothel, diddling away my time and getting my flies wet. I like to make sure I have enough lead in the pencil to get my flies down and dirty. I like riding them deep. That's where all the fun is.
I spent some time the previous weekend concocting up a wicked brew of dubbing batches, Hot Craw and Pumpkin. Similar to my burnt orange dubbing variety, I used a base of squirrel, hare and rabbit. I added some Finn raccoon to the base fibers as well. Along with a medley of antron, floss/rayon, and other polyamide fiber goodies, I added a few extra trade secret ingredients. I also mixed up some of the highlight colors to lend to two complements that I hadn't previously utilized, hot orange to the Hot Craw dub, and highlander green and chartreuse to the pumpkin dub. As per the usual, the true essence of a spectral blend of translucent fiber based dubbing is difficult to capture on film. You'll have to trust my judgement and my word for it when I say that it is awesome.
I can tell you that black crappies know how to party. This playah loved him some Critter Gitter. I hope the carp come to party too. Looks like I'll need to make a booty call and pay a visit to their crib.
I'll take anything I can get, in fact. I am a whore. A fly fishing whore to be exact. I love spending countless hours down at the river brothel, diddling away my time and getting my flies wet. I like to make sure I have enough lead in the pencil to get my flies down and dirty. I like riding them deep. That's where all the fun is.
I spent some time the previous weekend concocting up a wicked brew of dubbing batches, Hot Craw and Pumpkin. Similar to my burnt orange dubbing variety, I used a base of squirrel, hare and rabbit. I added some Finn raccoon to the base fibers as well. Along with a medley of antron, floss/rayon, and other polyamide fiber goodies, I added a few extra trade secret ingredients. I also mixed up some of the highlight colors to lend to two complements that I hadn't previously utilized, hot orange to the Hot Craw dub, and highlander green and chartreuse to the pumpkin dub. As per the usual, the true essence of a spectral blend of translucent fiber based dubbing is difficult to capture on film. You'll have to trust my judgement and my word for it when I say that it is awesome.
I can tell you that black crappies know how to party. This playah loved him some Critter Gitter. I hope the carp come to party too. Looks like I'll need to make a booty call and pay a visit to their crib.
November 16, 2011
Funnin' around
I was filling customer orders recently and had a chance to tie up some thunderbirds, a pattern I hadn't tied much since this spring. Man I love this pattern, between the moose tail and the soft hackled ruffed grouse thorax, the profile of this fly is so sexy.
Did some messing around blending up an insect green dubbing blend from a couple of other dubbing blends I had already made. I think I like the composition of this blend better than some of my previous batches in this color. What do you think? I had to tie up a few Carp Crack in this color of course...
Carp Crack, always lethal!
Did some messing around blending up an insect green dubbing blend from a couple of other dubbing blends I had already made. I think I like the composition of this blend better than some of my previous batches in this color. What do you think? I had to tie up a few Carp Crack in this color of course...
Carp Crack, always lethal!
October 18, 2011
Soft Hackle Heaven
Whether you call it a partridge, thunderbird, thunder chicken, or a ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus is among the tastiest of all upland birds and game. It is also prized for its hackle in my fly tying stash. Fortunately, living in Minnesota provides me with the nation's premier grouse habitat and population, with over half a million birds harvested annually, making it Minnesota's top game bird. Life is good in the Great White North.
The rump feathers, while used to determine the sex of a ruffed grouse, are also a vital component of the venerable Carp Crack pattern. The ruff feathers, located on the sides of the necks of both genders, are used to form the collar on the Mustache Ride and Landing Strip patterns, as they are long and wispy, providing lots of movement in the water. They are the ultimate soft hackle for those larger streamer fly patterns.
Regardless of how you obtain a ruffed grouse skin, whether it be a a retail acquisition, roadkill salvage, harvested bird, or a donation from a fellow hunter, consider yourself blessed. The ruffed grouse is the pinnacle prize of keen fly tyers.
The rump feathers, while used to determine the sex of a ruffed grouse, are also a vital component of the venerable Carp Crack pattern. The ruff feathers, located on the sides of the necks of both genders, are used to form the collar on the Mustache Ride and Landing Strip patterns, as they are long and wispy, providing lots of movement in the water. They are the ultimate soft hackle for those larger streamer fly patterns.
Regardless of how you obtain a ruffed grouse skin, whether it be a a retail acquisition, roadkill salvage, harvested bird, or a donation from a fellow hunter, consider yourself blessed. The ruffed grouse is the pinnacle prize of keen fly tyers.
June 18, 2011
Cock of the Walk
Took the kids to the zoo today and all I could think about was how to get away with nabbing a few peacock swords, as well as some bison, camel, and dall sheep fur. I think I have a disease....
April 27, 2011
Korda Kandy
Had a few goodie bags roll in through the mail recently. Unfortunately, I haven't been able get to them all and give them the love that they all deserve. Here's a start, some Korda kandy courtesy of USCARPPRO Magazine.
Korda Kaptors are the bomb. They are not only ultra sharp, but they come in great profiles like the Kurv, and also feature an industry first: a colored teflon finish. Looks like I'll be cooking it up with "Weed Green". These hooks must be sharp, as they come with their very own point protectors. Can't go wrong with a hook that packs its own prophylactic.
Carp hook jimmy hats, cause that's how I roll...
Korda Kaptors are the bomb. They are not only ultra sharp, but they come in great profiles like the Kurv, and also feature an industry first: a colored teflon finish. Looks like I'll be cooking it up with "Weed Green". These hooks must be sharp, as they come with their very own point protectors. Can't go wrong with a hook that packs its own prophylactic.
Carp hook jimmy hats, cause that's how I roll...
April 11, 2011
Soda Pop
So, it's not exactly my genius idea, but I'll share it anyway. Thanks to the fine folks from the Fly Chuckers fly club of St. Paul, MN to pointing this one out to me: Offray Soda Pop wire edge ribbon. All you need to do is pull the wire out from each edge of the ribbon and you the makings for a perfect baitfish body. If you want, you can separate each individual strand of flash and you have an endless supply of tinsel, much like the Kreinik or Sulky Holoshimmer. At $2.97 for nine feet of ribbon, there's plenty to go around before needing to re-stock.
Excuse me, I've got a few delicious bass I need to go tease with some shiny, sparkly goodness. Peace out.
March 28, 2011
March 14, 2011
Artistic Wire
Found a good source recently for some cheap wire over at Fusion Beads. Of particular interest is their offerings of artistic wire and parawire. I'm still not sure of the difference between the two just yet, though from what I've gathered from the internet one is a softer wire while the other holds its color better. Only some time behind the vise and in the water will tell what the true story is, meanwhile, if you're sick of paying over $3 for a 7 yard spool then check this wire out.
Available in more colors and sizes than what Ultra Wire has available, 30 yard spools of artistic wire ring up at $2.99 and 50 yard spools of parawire come in at $4.49. Better yet, there is no minimum order required and free shipping! I know there are other places out there that sell wire at a cheaper cost, but Fusion Beads actually had all of their colors in stock, and free shipping can't be beat, especially for a $10 order. I always have a problem with joints that charge more for shipping than the cost of the items ordered. While the red wire differed in color between the artistic and parawire varieties, that isn't the end of the world. The magenta wire I ordered is hot. I'm impressed with the colors and quality of the wires and will be ordering more in the future.
P.S. If anyone has a source for wine or claret colored wire please let me know. Then my quest for world domination will be near.
Available in more colors and sizes than what Ultra Wire has available, 30 yard spools of artistic wire ring up at $2.99 and 50 yard spools of parawire come in at $4.49. Better yet, there is no minimum order required and free shipping! I know there are other places out there that sell wire at a cheaper cost, but Fusion Beads actually had all of their colors in stock, and free shipping can't be beat, especially for a $10 order. I always have a problem with joints that charge more for shipping than the cost of the items ordered. While the red wire differed in color between the artistic and parawire varieties, that isn't the end of the world. The magenta wire I ordered is hot. I'm impressed with the colors and quality of the wires and will be ordering more in the future.
P.S. If anyone has a source for wine or claret colored wire please let me know. Then my quest for world domination will be near.
March 7, 2011
Montana Fly Company
Thanks to the folks over at Outside Media for hooking a brutha up with some goodies from Montana Fly Company. Typically, it seems, when you get a package of product samples for testing/review, you get the dregs from the bottom of the bargain basement bin. You know, the stuff nobody wants that retailers can't get rid of on the sales floor. Maybe, out of a handful of product, would you be able to find something that might find some utility or useful purpose. Not is the case with this goody box. Aside from the dubbing, enclosed were all items that I would either likely or seriously consider purchasing from a retail outlet. Note: Nothing was wrong the dubbing, the stuff looks great; I'm just too cheap to buy dubbing anymore now that I can make my own.
If anyone's paid close enough attention, those infamous speckled legs I use on my Carp Crack and other rubber legged patterns are none other than the centipede legs from MFC. I like MFC's products, so it was a no-brainer when I was asked to take a closer look at some of their other products. I'll experiment a bit behind the vise and see what I can come up with from these materials and tools. I'll get back to you all and let you know how it all went. In the meantime, keep it rough.
Caveat Emptor: Products were provided courtesy of Montana Fly Company/Outdoor Media, in exchange for review and extensive product testing.
If anyone's paid close enough attention, those infamous speckled legs I use on my Carp Crack and other rubber legged patterns are none other than the centipede legs from MFC. I like MFC's products, so it was a no-brainer when I was asked to take a closer look at some of their other products. I'll experiment a bit behind the vise and see what I can come up with from these materials and tools. I'll get back to you all and let you know how it all went. In the meantime, keep it rough.
Caveat Emptor: Products were provided courtesy of Montana Fly Company/Outdoor Media, in exchange for review and extensive product testing.
March 2, 2011
Barbie Doll
Pink is gonna be hot this spring, so make sure you get your day box full of Pink Squirrels, pink San Juan Worms, and pink scuds. Crafted from the mason line dub, this Barbie colored scud pattern is tied with a Czech nymph inspired hot spot.
Barbie Doll Scud:
Hook: Extra Strong Curved Size 8, Barbless
Thread: 6/0 UNI, Red
Underbody: 0.20" Lead Wire
Case: 1/4" Strip Latex, Tan
Body: Roughfisher's Seal Sub Dub, Mason's Children (Fluorescent Pink)
Rib: Hot Orange Ultra Wire, Brassie
Thorax: Roughfisher's Seal Sub Dub, Peacock Poison
Head: Tapered Thread
February 8, 2011
Friends In Low Places
A nicely preserved Plains sharp-tailed grouse skin, harvested from central North Dakota. Soft hackle heaven.
February 7, 2011
Bo Knows Bonefish
Bo Knows Bonefish, and Redfish, and Stripers, and Carp, and....
If you don't know who Bo Jackson is, sit down and take a history lesson Junior.
A couple of prototypes I've been working on for Amanda Switzer, featuring a custom Cream Soda dubbing blend.
After some extensive field testing, I will release the final version as Switzer Sweets. My guess is that these flies will be just as deadly in freshwater as in the salt.
If you don't know who Bo Jackson is, sit down and take a history lesson Junior.
A couple of prototypes I've been working on for Amanda Switzer, featuring a custom Cream Soda dubbing blend.
After some extensive field testing, I will release the final version as Switzer Sweets. My guess is that these flies will be just as deadly in freshwater as in the salt.
January 31, 2011
January 21, 2011
squirrelz
I recently scored on a bunch of squirrel pelts off of ebay. Five for $12, plus free priority mail shipping to boot. To add to the awesomeness, there were two extra hides thrown in the box. Price per pelt was down to $2.18, the cheapest I've been able to find, even cheaper than Coffin Creek Furs when you factor in shipping and handling costs. The hides were in great condition, all fleshed out, salted, and dried. I didn't find any bugs, but I'm taking no chances. The hides have already been quarantined and sent to the deep freeze chamber for a week's sentence. Between the freeze, a dye bath, and some borax for the non-dyed skins, that should take care of all the critters. Besides, there's nothing a little trip into the microwave can't take care of.
You may wonder what in the hell I'm gonna do with 22 squirrel pelts. No, I'm not gonna make myself a toupée or a squirrel suit. And I'm not gonna use them for Zonkers, though that is a great idea but better suited for a tanned skin. I'm gonna dye up a bunch of them skins and chop them furs for dubbin'. I've got a few big batches I need to make for use down the road. Squirrel is the ultimate fur for a buggy nymph blend.
You may wonder what in the hell I'm gonna do with 22 squirrel pelts. No, I'm not gonna make myself a toupée or a squirrel suit. And I'm not gonna use them for Zonkers, though that is a great idea but better suited for a tanned skin. I'm gonna dye up a bunch of them skins and chop them furs for dubbin'. I've got a few big batches I need to make for use down the road. Squirrel is the ultimate fur for a buggy nymph blend.
January 20, 2011
head cement
An old substitute for head cement, Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails. Here's a couple of new solutions featuring updated formulas and fresh new colors. Hopefully the Moniker Xtreme wear will live up to it's name, as these will be put into brownliner service. Ironically, that badass green polish is dubbed "Ivy League". Let's see how that cake eater will perform.
January 19, 2011
mason's children
Unassuming, a spool of mason line strikes no fancy to the casual fly angler. Hell, even most fly tyers would look past this spindle of ghastly colored fluorescent pink twine, not even thinking twice about its use behind the vise. It is only in the deep dark reaches of a mad scientist, where upon a routine Saturday morning at the local store, one finds an oddly placed item lurking in the depths of the clearance aisle and thinks,
"fly tying material!".
Composed of nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene, mason line hardly seems like an ideal material to the typical fly tyer, especially when it comes in cerise. Fluorescent pink isn't typically a color most tyers reach for, unless you're a steelheader or fish Alaska. To the dubbist, the same situation applies; no need to make hot pink dubbing if you won't be tying hot pink patterns. Ah so, but if you're crazy enough behind the vise, good things begin to happen.
This particular brand of mason line has a composition that is very antron like. In fact, when chopped up and blended, this line resembles STS Trilobal dubbing from Hare-Line. Almost spot on. I don't typically dub flies in straight pink, unless I'm tying in collars on a batch of Pink Squirrels. However, I do use quite a bit of pink synthetics to add highlights to my dubbing blends. This stuff is righteous. I'm a firm believer that good things don't just happen, you make them happen.
The best thing about the mason line? I picked up a 75 yard spool of it for $1, nearly a quarter of it's retail price. Mad indeed.
"fly tying material!".
Composed of nylon, polyester, and/or polypropylene, mason line hardly seems like an ideal material to the typical fly tyer, especially when it comes in cerise. Fluorescent pink isn't typically a color most tyers reach for, unless you're a steelheader or fish Alaska. To the dubbist, the same situation applies; no need to make hot pink dubbing if you won't be tying hot pink patterns. Ah so, but if you're crazy enough behind the vise, good things begin to happen.
This particular brand of mason line has a composition that is very antron like. In fact, when chopped up and blended, this line resembles STS Trilobal dubbing from Hare-Line. Almost spot on. I don't typically dub flies in straight pink, unless I'm tying in collars on a batch of Pink Squirrels. However, I do use quite a bit of pink synthetics to add highlights to my dubbing blends. This stuff is righteous. I'm a firm believer that good things don't just happen, you make them happen.
The best thing about the mason line? I picked up a 75 yard spool of it for $1, nearly a quarter of it's retail price. Mad indeed.
January 18, 2011
Blueballz
A new concoction from behind the blender.
Time to go take care of some unfinished business...
Time to go take care of some unfinished business...
January 17, 2011
micros
Some micro fly fun with sulky holoshimmer. Thanks to the Winona Fly Factory for renewing my interest in the holoshimmer, an excellent material for small nymph bodies on caddis and midge patterns alike. Of course, his midge patterns kick my ass. Nice work there brother!
I better get to tying up a bunch of midge patterns if I plan on hanging out on the river with WFF and Wendy Berrell next month. Those guys will school this roughfisher; they've been out a few times already this winter and I haven't touched a fly rod since November.
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