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Fly Tying

Curtis Fry

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Everything posted by Curtis Fry

  1. Excellent point! I second that.
  2. While it's not purely a beginner's book, the Fly Tier's Benchside Reference can definitely speed up your learning curve by helping you understand more method-based tying as opposed to pattern-specific tying. I also like Charlie Craven's book. I usually recommend that to people in my tying classes...
  3. Nice looking pattern! What do you use for a weed-guard on that puppy?
  4. I usually find Coastal deer hair to be good, but in general I look for little underfur, fine short tips and skinny fibers. I've found that it's easier to have a physical look at the patches before you buy them unless you are confident in where you buy them (online). If you do the online thing, Nature's Spirit actually has some awesome stuff I've also used: http://www.worleybuggerflyco.com/naturesspiritt/ns_comparadun_hair.htm But here's a good article on selecting the right type and tying the comparadun itself: http://globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/comparadone!/
  5. Wow, this thread has legs. I think fly tying, on many levels, is a personal thing. Each person will have what they consider an "expert" type benchmark and you should feel free to shoot for that mark. You might be an expert on tying a certain pattern or technique. In the end, it's not really for anyone else to say I suppose.
  6. Also, a Hobby Lobby type solution. These are Craft Mates locking boxes. A set comes with 7 of the 4-compartment (individually locking, non-floating, curved bottom) containers. Each container will then fit into the tray that holds the 7 containers. I also use the 14 compartment ones, but these are nice because I can uproot a small set of hooks and take them with me.
  7. I can't resist a good bluegill tug, but LMB on topwater is tough to beat...
  8. UTC for most stuff. GSP for bass, streamers and bigger patterns. Veevus for midges.
  9. I'm a big fan of multiple light sources at different angles. I have a key light from a lighting set and then a standard desk lamp:
  10. Here are a few notes from the classes I teach (first class): Brief overview of tools, materials and overall "This is what fly tying is" Start off with quick demo and getting thread tied to hook, followed by whip finish or half-hitch. No flies yet. Have them tie materials to the hook a few times, with each time practicing a whip finish. Cut thread, repeat. Tie a simple brassie chironomid so they have a fly to take home. Time-permitting, we work on the ol' wooly bugger or a simple sow-bug or scud with just dubbing and a wire ribbing. Keys: Keep it simple, repeat it, help them as they tie. Teach proportion and thread control throughout. A lot of this also depends on the time available and the audience. Just my 2 cents...
  11. Been working on a caddis-style attractor type bug:
  12. I'm partial to McFlylon: http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=SM-700465-0000&type=
  13. I've been messing with some bigger baitfish patterns on tubes. This is a baby Brown that hopes to be a meal for a bigger Brown this spring... Baby Brown by El Frito, on Flickr
  14. I think this is the best I've seen so far. How big are the actual compartments? Is there some kind of compartment for the trays, or do they stack well? The trays stack very nicely together. The compartments are maybe 1" by 1.5" and an inch or more deep. I don't store my bigger bass or streamer hooks in these sized compartments, but they're great for all other sizes and shapes.
  15. I've gone through a lot of different containers and methods. I've settled on the Craftmate stuff you can get from craft stores. The ones pictured below are the newer ones I've started to use. Each tray holds 7 4-compartment boxes. Each compartment has curved bottoms and are individually locked (one of the biggest considerations, IMO)
  16. You may also have a bad batch of feathers -- especially if you bought them in a package with just free floating feathers (as opposed to a full Hun skin). I usually find those packets contain poorer quality goods. Just a thought...
  17. And it's called the Tele-Macro function: http://www.cameracamcorderhelp.com/z/304000200010687
  18. does it have a model number? I think this is the one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800903636-USE/Panasonic_PVGS65_PV_GS65_3_CCD_Mini.html
  19. I have an older Panasonic camcorder that has a macro zoom feature on it. I'm sure you could score even a used setup like that for $100 to $200. It's got a great picture and zooms right in on even the smallest patterns. I use it for a variety of tying shows, demos and classes. Never had a problem... Otherwise, I have a Nikon DSLR with a nice macro lens. That works too, but much more costly.
  20. Ditto and also, don't be afraid to yank on it hard (TWSS ), as it will help iron out kinks as you wrap.
  21. UNI-Stretch. This stuff is the bomb for a floss substitute. Stretchy, not as "slick" as floss and isn't as hard to handle, cut, tie in etc. http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/TW-030220-0000/63500/UNI-Products-UNI-Stretch.html
  22. Working on some PMD's. Video tutorial... http://youtu.be/jaQRsDwiPh8 PMD Ext Body by El Frito, on Flickr
  23. Yeah, good point, I'm sure that happens a lot more than we think. I agree on the faster presentation. Also, strip sets when you're in the "zone" can sometimes result in hook-ups rather than waiting on the movement or the "tell". Or sometimes, I'll just switch to a soft plastic for good measure.
  24. Pictures?? I've fished off a few boats rigged for us fly guys and besides the casting areas free of obstructions (the trolling motor is the biggest pain IMO), you need to also keep in mind that tie-down cleats will also get in the way as well as anything along the sides (rivets, screws, jagged edges) that might catch your line. Ideally, you find a trolling motor you can rig with those remote controlled jobbies and not have to be near it when you cast. But yeah, clean casting area and rod storage are the biggies.
  25. Here is some recent spewage from the vise... "Holomid" CCG Hydro "sculpted" chironomid. If you haven't tried the Hydro, you need to. Sally Hansen's collects dust now. Holomid by El Frito, on Flickr More CCG Hydro, these babies killed it as droppers recently as midges were coming off Stripped Peacock Eye Midges by El Frito, on Flickr
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