February 29, 2012

Missed the Boat

Money Shot
I forgot this little guy in my previous post. The carp should like this one too...

February 27, 2012

Show Me The Money

MO' MONEY! MO' MONEY! MO' MONEY!

Money Shots
Recall the Money Shot, now available in some new flavors.

Money Shot, Rust
I even indulged myself with adding a little UV Pearl Krystal Flash to the tail like I had fancied earlier.

Money Shot, Olive
Money Shot, KB Orange
I think this fly would do a homeboy proud.

February 21, 2012

PSA #6: Keeping your kids off crack

It's dawned on me that I haven't published a recipe for my infamous Carp Crack pattern. I realize that I could pull a dick move and not disclose the simplicity secret behind this lethal pattern. I could direct you to my online store for some or tell you to go find a fly shop that carries my flies. I'm not gonna be that guy, at least for today. Many of you have asked for it, so here it is.

carp crack
Carp Crack
Hook: Mustad 34007/S71SZ, Size 6
Thread: UNI-thread 6/0, Red
Antennae: Medium Centipede Legs, Hot Orange
Body: Roughfisher's Seal Sub Dub, Burnt Orange
Front Hackle: Ruffed Grouse or Hungarian Partridge, Dark/Brown
Thorax: Roughfisher's Seal Sub Dub, Burnt Orange
Eyes: #8 Bead chain, orange

carp crack
Don't say I've never gave you anything...

February 16, 2012

2012 Swap Flies

2012 Swap Flies
Fruits of the 2012 fly swap hosted by McTage. As you may notice, I am not sporting the full complement of flies as was offered to the participants. Rather, I opted for a handful of tasty looking snacks that should provide some perspective and inspiration behind the bench. No offense should be taken by the other participants, as I already have stashed in my fly bank several of the patterns that were offered up in the swap. I felt it redundant to receive these flies, when others haven't had a chance thumb over and drool on the offerings from John Montana, Kevin Morlock, Wendy Berrell, et al. In addition, due to the popularity of the swap, more participants had signed up than was anticipated. Since only ten flies were required per tyer and there were 22 participants, not everyone was going to receive a fly from each other. Hence, me offering up a Carp Crack to all the tyers participating so nobody had to suffer from crack fever. Also, I hoped that be me not accepting all of my entitlement, a few others could benefit from the gain. Many thanks to McTage for hosting this year's swap. Perhaps the torch shall be passed for 2013.

February 12, 2012

Money Shot

Because sometimes, you only have one chance to make a good first impression...

Money Shot
It's been awhile since I've sat down and fooled around at the vise. Lately, most of my time spent at the tying station has involved filling orders, favors, or the obligatory fly swap. So much for fun time; it's been all business. After tying up a bunch of Carp Cracks for a customer recently, I figured it was about time that I do a little experimenting. I love the simplicity of the Carp Crack, it's profile, and I love the burnt orange color scheme. The carp do too, obviously, since this is my most productive fly, go-to pattern, and my best selling fly. Time to have some fun.

Money Shot
Money Shot
Money Shot:
Hook: Mustad 34007, Size 6
Thread: 6/0 UNI, Red
Tail: Grizzly Marabou, Burnt Orange
Body: Roughfisher's Seal Sub Dub, KB Orange
Hackle: Ruffed Grouse
Legs: MFC Centipede Legs, Hot Orange (Medium)
Thorax: Roughfisher's Seal Sub Dub, KB Orange
Head: #8 Bead Chain, Black

Money Shot
Money Shot
I'm toying with the idea of adding some UV Krystal Flash to the marabou tail. I'm not sure if I want more flash on this fly, or if the spectral dubbed body will provide enough bling. As much as I love a little spice, too much flash can spook weary fish. I might have to do a little field testing to see whether or not it will make a difference. All I know is that this fly has all the makings of a perfect carp fly: A great profile, excellent coloration, a little wiggle, and a near zero splash entry construction. The light weight of the bead chain, the soft hackle and touch dubbed body, and the addition of legs to the thorax will help cushion the entry of this fly. The last thing you want to do is splash a little somethin' somethin' in a carp's eye. Trust me.