neoFLYte

That's the most industrial strength fly I have ever seen. I'm not sure I could manage it on my 8 wt.

JSzymczyk... totally agree.

Indeed. I happen to know they use it quite a lot in neurosurgery.

I have cheap bobbins and expensive bobbins. My all-time favorite is the Umpqua ergonomic model. Ceramic tube and offset "grip".

Every now and then I rent a Bobcat to scrape my fly-tying desk. :j_k:

This is slightly off-topic, but other than sticking little fly parts together, has anyone found any use for cyanoacrylate glues (Super Glue, Zap-a-Gap, etc.) in the "other" world... other than sticking one's fingers together if not careful?

If money is no object, these are the "gold standard" of markers. http://www.dickblick.com/products/pantone-...in-marker-sets/ Immense overkill, IMHO... but different strokes for different folks!

I think you'll be happy with JStockard. I've ordered a BUNCH of stuff from JS and have been quite pleased. I recommend Dr. Slick Scissors. My favorite bobbin is an Umpqua "Ergo".

Purty good! Bet both of them will catch a few!

Not sure what a "larger" McKenzie light is. It looks like there is one model where the light comes from the side of the end piece and another model where the light comes from the end of the end piece. Mine is the kind where the light comes from the end of the end piece. Here's the info for my McKenzie light adapter. Looks like you'll need a "switching adapter". Output +12V DC 1.5A REGULATED Plug 2.1 x 5.5 mm inside of plug is positive. The Part Number is SW-1215A I Googled the PN. looks like they are available from several places.

I suggest picking up a spool of UNI 6-0 and a spool of Danville 210 in pretty much the same color and tying a few of the same patterns with each thread. There is a WORLD of difference between them. I have probably 12 spools of Danville 210 and about the same number of spools of UNI in 6-0 and 8-0. UNI is my go-to thread. Danville is my alternate thread. There are certain patterns that Danville just does better (IMHO).

I agree. The hairbrush thing is the best idea I've seen. I've yet to get the hang of making mono eyes. More often than not, mine come out looking pretty crude. :dunno:

Markers wouldn't be (and weren't) my first thought when getting set up to tie. Maybe a black Sharpie would come in handy. BUT... if you are into painting flies, by all means go for it!

IMHO, Wooly Buggers for warmwater fishing can be tied with less attention to "classic" proportions. Probably the biggest restriction is whether you can throw it. If things get too out of hand, there is too much air resistance to throw them effectively.

This is what I use. I have the 4X magnifier. Note: The light is VERY bright. http://www.bearsden.com/product4015.html

That is one impressive collection of equipment and supplies! Tie on, brutha! :headbang:

I have a white lab and also have an abundance of spare dog hair. I've tied several flies with it, but I can't say that I've been satisfied with the results. Probably because sorting random shedding into anything even remotely uniform is quite a challenge.

I've yet to find a hobby that didn't eventually get pricey. I almost always start out "on the cheap" and as I get more into whatever it is, I start buying more tools/gadgets - because I love tools and gadgets - and (real or imagined) better materials. I much prefer to buy from places - not just tying stuff - where they know what they are talking about, willing to share information, and actually do a good job of convincing me that they appreciate my business. For whatever reason, that usually means I pay more, and I'm OK with that. As to the thousand dollar rods and eight hundred dollar reels... I've seen them, but I'm not quite sure what to make of them. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot usually comes to mind.

medium olive, please. :-)

Use the tips of your good scissors only to cut the finest little unwanted protrusions. Dont even try to use the tips for clumps of stuff or anything that takes even a little effort to cut.

Those look purty dang good to me. :-)

My favorite fly to tie is the one that happens to be in my vise at the time. My favorite to fish is a Clouser minnow or a variation thereof.

Here's one I tied a couple of days ago. I call it the Crazy Redhorse after the redhorse minnow (a.k.a. red shiner).

Awww... Border collies are the bestest hounds ever!