patrick carroll

will,I will check some patterns out, I may already have a few steelies flies made up. Rumor has it the "mystery swap box" is heading for californee. smalltownfisherman and Af tyer have their flies ready to send out tomorrow, so cycle3 is getting close. Haven't heard from smalliefanatic, dafunk or njflyman , hopefully theirs will be landing soon. It looks as though we will have 15 tyers for cycle3, the variety of flies should be something else.It will really be important to be prepared and have the next group of flies made and sent to the next tyer. By averaging 5 days per turnaround, if lucky, it should take 70 days for a complete cycle. Lets make it happen!!! I haven't seen the box for 2 months, what treasures will I find. Have a good one Pat Carroll

What are some good patterns for steelies, hook sizes etc., willing to give some a shot. Be kind with the comments. Not sure I can have them ready for cycle 3. I need to expand. Have a good one Pat Carroll

Last november I got into the "mad scientist - fly tyers dungeon " Christmas package for the first time. Little did I realize how many different packages of fly tying materials would be sent to me, about 45 packages. Some of the materials were baby bug wrap, watermix, congohair, h2o twist,shuck yarn,water silk, legs alive, northern lights, widow flash dubbing materials , most of these had assorted colors. I had no clue what most of these were. I haven't used hardly any of these materials, and with my limited tying skills, I won't be using most of them. In some of your posts, you have sons and daughters , being potential master tyers, or maybe ,in your cases you might want to try some of these materials out. I don't want anything in return. I am content struggling thru my occasional flies using , my first choice, foam, deer , moose and elk hairs which I have plenty.As far as I am concerned gurglers and humpies are the only game in town., nothing smaller than size 8, which this old, old guy still struggles with. In cases, where some of you are involved with youth or handicap fly tying classes, and you may need some fly tying material, let me know, over the years I have "stuff" hidden away, that hasn't been used for years,and it may serve some of your needs. Some of it goes back to the "ol herters days", there isn't a lot of stuff but it might help in a pinch. I would hope to keep the materials for the "mystery swap tyers " only. Don't like throwing too many ideas around, but this fly tying thing, has us hooked, and we need to enjoy our pasttime to the fullest and get young people on board. Have a good one Pat Carroll

bassbugn's flies arrived today. What a great variety of flies, I quit counting the flies after 50, and that didn't include the flies slated for Casting For Recovery!!! We may need to send the flies by an 18 wheeler. I expect to be getting more flies very shortly. aftyer, I don't see any problem adding you to the swap. WELCOME ABOARD!! Hopefully you can have your flies ready and tagged within a week or so. The box should be landing on my doorstep next week, I will be going thru the box and get some flies thinned out for CFR. Do you have an idea what the swap is about, let me know I will send you a message with my address? Did you tyers notice, he's from calif.? We may have reached our limit for Cycle 3. Hasn't the "mystery swap' really blossomed, just think with fall and winter around the corner, it can only get better!! rich, send my best to your wife, the battle is quite an ordeal. Have a good one Pat Carroll

No problem at all, gage. I appreciate your donation. As you can see, things are happening very fast, and cycle3 will soon be starting. Having some new tyers has been great, anxious to see your flies and I think you will like this format. Things get better and better. Beautiful sunset, here in southern calif., full moon has been outta sight!!! Have a good one Pat Carroll

Thank you steve, for your comments, anxious to see your flies. The swap has really taken off, cycle 3 should be great. The extra flies will definitely be put to good use. Chris, I haven't heard anything from kerruso. Have a good one Pat Carroll

Thought I would add a little story,about 6 weeks ago, I woulld go to my back yard and water the tomatoes. I started to find dead birds and small animal parts. My wife and I thought there might be cats or possilbly racoons, just guessing. A week or two later, as I would leave early in the morning, my wife started to hear the pitter patter of feet on our roof.a couple days later, she looks out the window, and there are 2 beautiful kit foxes staring at her. Mystery has been solved, they like to play and roll on our patio, outside the room where I tie flies. Only problem, they are no longer "cute critters", as most of think. I was able to trim a lot of tree branches and put a plywood barrier on the roof, so far so good. Went out this morning, and there were bird feathers all over the patio.My wife went out last evening, before dark, and our friend was hanging around, she made a lot of noise, and he left the scene. A call to animall control, they would gladly come out ,cage them and move them to a different area, for only $350.00!!! The activity seems to be easing up, we'll keep our fingers crossed. They are considered on the endangered list. Southern California is considered the land of "foxes", but kit foxes aren't on the list as far as I know. Life does get interesting, Pat Carroll

I appreciate your comments and thoughts. Haven't recieved any flies from the new tyers, but its still early. With 14 tyers, this should one awesome cycle3 .The timing is right, fall is right around the corner. Still nice and hot in my neck of the woods. High nineties , and August is usually the hot weather time of the year. Have a good one Pat Carroll

I had donated flies to Casting For Recovery and other organizations. My wife had breast cancer about 10 years ago, and is currently going thru her third battle with cancer, she has been taking chemo therapy for the last nine months on a weekly basis. She has a 'kick ass attitude " for her battle. Many of us go thru life looking for " heroes", I early on found "my hero", lived at my house. I had thought about sending the extra flies to charities or other organizatons, with the blessings of the tyers,but I don't know how others feel about this issue. I know , in my case, I have so many flies laying around, that they will never be used. It would be quite a deal for ' the mystery swap", to make periodic donations for whatever purposes our tyers would select. Wow, Pat Carroll

When the box lands at my doorstep, I was going to go thru the flies and set some aside to keep the 'monster box" from exploding. I definitely don't need any extra flies. By setting them aside ,this will be our reserve, in case some flies need to be added. I am anticipating from 70 to 80 new flies. From what you guys are explaining, the larger box is definitely the way to go. I encourage the brainstorming you guys bring to the plate.Getting everybody to buy into keeping the box moving is bigtime important. In our last swap, we had a few holdups due to personal issues, We need to expect that. If some problems come up,I would want to know. Not getting feedback did cause some concerns. This format for a swap is big time fun , and you guys are really adding needed feedback. Keep it coming.We easily added about 7000 miles to the "mystery swap box. "Do we need somebody riding "shotgun? Have a good one Pat Carroll

After doing some backtracking of the "mystery box" for cycle2, we are averaging about 5 days for each tyer. The box was launched 6-29-09, we have really been well prepared , having the next group of flies tied and tagged, along with having the envelope ready to send to the next tyer in line., is key. I don't think it will be necessary for a second box, its being prepared as stated above. With the 5 new tyers, being spread out across the country, the choices and variety of flies , just gets better and better. I'm looking forward to cycle 3, and getting my hands on their new additions. Rich has done a great job monitoring and updating the movement of the box, this old guy needs all the help he can get. For the new tyers, the envelope needed, should be about 9" x 12". Postage will set you back about $3.00. Sorry for bringing up the second box, should have done my homework. I guess its something to think about later on. Have a good one, stay dry and cool, Pat Carroll

The most tyers we had before was 12 tyers.My main concern with 14 tyers or a couple more, even with real fast turnaround, will probably take 4 months. Keeping the tyers at the tail end interested might be a problem, 4 months is a long time. This will be during winter, which is big time tying weather ,especially for the cold weather tyers. If the 2nd box is initiated, I definitely need to know who is being selected, in case some peolple are getting snubbed. Control is key. Bigdaddy's comment about sending to buddies is true. What happens ,if the second box is sent in reverse? We are really getting some energy and enthusiasm generated with the old tyers and new tyers, my main concern is contnuing to keep the swap on the upbeat. I've never had a 2 box approach, so I definitely am looking for ideas. I'll tell you one thing, these last couple months have been a blast. Keep the ideas coming, we'll make it work. Have a good one Pat Carroll

bassbugn There should be room for a new tyer. Things are really starting to happen ths week, a lot of new tyers. I'll get a message to you with some information Cycle 3 will probably be ready to go in a couple weeks, so you will need to have at least 15 flies ready and tagged to me very quickly,keep the tags small, the box is bulging. Any pattern, any size, mix it up, trout ,bass, gills ,muskie,saltwater and whatever is fine. If you have some treasures hidden away, and you want to share that will be fine. The variety of flies is something else , with mucho talent . You should like this format. When the "mystery box" lands at your doorstep, be prepared for head scratchin', trying to figure out where to start. The key to this swap is having your flies tyed up ahead of time, picking out your flies, putting the same amount of flies back in the box and get it sent on its way, very quickly. The next tyer in line is anxious to get their hands on the box.So we must think about the next tyer in line. Hope that might answer any questions you may have. This is a great group of tyers willing to share. Sit back,hang on and get busy!!! Have a good one Pat Carroll

welcome back What type of woodworking do you do. I recently got back into woodworking. New for me, called 'intarsia. Very addictive, have you heard of it Have a good one Pat Carroll

At the rate this swap is growing,give some thought to this idea.Should we consider 2 boxes, we will have plenty of flies. The first box would stay as the standard box we now have. The second box would be the "true mystery box", and would be randomly sent to whomever the receiving tyer would select, without any notice. This box wouldn't need to have a lot of flies in the mix. As long as I have a clue where the box is going. With one box as we now have, with the added tyers, it will take a while to make a complete cycle. Possibly 4 months. Good idea or bad/ need some input. Have a good one Pat Carroll

dafunk Its not too late. Since we are adding more tyers, you will need to tie up at least 15 flies. Any pattern, any size and whatever you want to tie.Trout,bass , gill, muskie, salt water any goes. Its best to mix it up. I will send you my address, and if you need more details. I recently added some information for new tyers a couple days ago,about this swap, and will be glad to give more information, if needed. Welcome aboard, I think you will like the format. Have a good one Pat Carroll

Jamie, heres hoping this message finds you doing well and getting some much needed rest. I would think the Hubbard family has a full plate. Is the new addition having any problem handling the bobbin? Best of luck to you both. It seems as though Cycle3 is getting better and better. with the new and possibly more tyers. Will the box be able to handle the load. Fun stuff going on. Have a good one Pat Carroll

Welcome aboard njflyman. That gets the 'mystery swap', up to 12 tyers, and will add a few more miles to the overall total. To the new tyers ,rich has been doing a super job monitoring the mailing sequence.It definitely is a must to have your next group of flies ready and tagged, then the box can be sent to the next tyer in line, very quickly. This group of tyers has really done a great job being ready and we are on a record breaking pace for this cycle. Wait till you get your hands on the " mystery box", you will think Santa has arrived!! Anxious to get my hands on your contributions. Have a good one Pat Carroll

Welcome aboard, Gage. I will take a guess, possibly a Packer fan. The state of wisconsin is now part of this swap. We are now getting tyers from many areas of the country, just adds to the many varities of flies. I think you will enjoy our format. Tie some flies, get them sent, have patience and be prepared. Steeler fan here, have a good one Pat Carroll

I failed to mention, we will have a new tyer for Cycle3. The west coast is being represented by smalliefanatic from the far west state of washington!! Great fit,we now have a different part of "the good ol' U. S. A., displaying some of his great patterns.WELCOME ABOARD!!! Sent messages to smalltownfisherman and njflyman, seems smalltown fisherman might be opting out. No response from njflyman. Hope all is going well with the Hubbard family. Cycle 2 is humming along Pat Carroll

Great movement of the "mystery box". brent, is there any reason you are so laid back, can't you show any emotion or anxiety? Fun stuff, happening with this swap!!! Have a good one PatCarroll

Congratulations on the new son. Hope everything went well. Wow!! Have a good one Pat Carroll

All of a sudden , there seems to be some interest for cycle 3. The new tyers need to get with me as to where and when to send your flies. A guesstimate for the start of round 3 would be as rich has mentioned, so you have time to get your flies ready. You are not resticted to any type of pattern, whatever suits your fancy, trout, bass gills , saltwater or who knows. The more you mix it up, the better it is. We already have a great variety and the talent is awesome and , if interested welcome aboard. With the 3 new potential tyers, you will need to send me at least 12 to 15 flies. We presently have approx. 200 flies of all sizes in the "mystery box", and it seems the box is starting to bulge at the seams. If you need any idea what the swap is about, let us know, and we will be happy to clue you in. If you have any gems hidden away and want to share them , feel free to do so.When the box lands at your doorstep be prepared As you may have noticed ,the tyers are from all over the "good ol' usa." Have a good one Pat Carroll

cencalfly, do I envy you heading up into the eastern sierras, that and the yosemte area are a couple of my all time favorites. I can't believe 70 degree temp., but you will be above 9ooo feet. Have a great trip. I have a few small containers that I might try, shouldn't add too much weight. I would think a fellow tyer , in maine, might be wringing his hands ,waiting to get his hands on the "mystery box". Awesome job tyers, this has been a good one. Stay cool and try to behave Pat Carroll

Very close to where I live, there has been at least 5 fires in the last 2 weeks. I would think somewhat suspicious. Can you imagine , being a fireman fighting fires in this heat!!! Stay cool Pat Carroll