skunkaroo

A new addition to the fly pattern database has been submitted by skunkaroo: Leggy Blond

Mmmmmm! Spotted Owl... Tastes just like chicken.

The Bennicchi (sp?) is sold in a 12/0 size. This thread has the best spooling and strength/diameter that I've seen. It's also available in plenty of great shades. I would highly recommend it. Aaron

Good eye, Hans. I missed that. (It's nice to see that you "agree (mostly)" with me though--I think that has to be a first ) Aaron

I'm sure you already know this one, but... A single wrap of partridge (maybe two to get the fullness indicated in the picture) tyed in relatively close to the eye; a wrap or two of thread rearward over the hackle stem to hold it in place; pluck the fibres off the dorsal surface of the fly with a pair of good tweezers; and then slowly bring the thread rearward while stroking down the remaining fibres to create a nice neat head... et voila!. A very traditional method that still works well. Aaron

A recent shot: A clear case of pattern bombing Aaron

Unbelievable yes, but prone to crashing. Still, a very valuable resource.

I used a cheap Sunrise for the first 3 years. Cheap like borscht, but it worked fine. That said, I think you'll get more enjoyment and ultimately tye better sooner if you spend a few bucks more at the start. I would recommend looking at a Griffin 2A Superior--an inexpensive but solid twin screw vise that will last you a long time, and if you decide to upgrade later makes an excellent "travelling" or teaching vise (I purchased two for my kids and tying club and I haven't regretted it). Tight wraps, Aaron

I buy some of my stuff on e-bay, but I always do it with a careful eye to value for money and watch for pitfalls like "shipping and handling" charges. If it costs a couple dollars more to buy a big ticket item locally, it's usually a better bet. Best bets are usually items where quality control isn't usually a huge factor (hooks, synthetics, beads, tinsel, etc.) or where it's a "name brand" item (Whiting capes, Wapsi dubbing, etc). Sometimes I might take a chance on an item where I expect iffy quality (Chinese/Indian hen capes for example), but in these instances I know it's always buyer beware. Luckily I've never had any major issues, except one seller who didn't like the price and refunded my money. While their seller rating system isn't foolproof it's better than nothing -- there's a big difference between a seller with 50 transactions and a 98% rating vs. one with 2000 transactions and a 100% rating. One last tip: ALWAYS USE PAYPAL. Money orders and certified cheques have a way of "disappearing" in the mail. With Paypal you've always got a virtual paper trail. Aaron PS: If you are outside of the US only buy items that will be shipped by the USPS. Courier companies will absolutely gouge you with bogus "brokerage" fees. Just frightening! PSS: If you see skunkaroo2002 bidding on an item, it's obviously of inferior quality... so don't bid on that item

I sent it as an e-mail to what I assume was the e-mail you registered on the forum with. You can get there by clicking a member's handle and by looking under the section entitled "Communication". In there, there's a button to send an e-mail message. It's not a big deal; most of the information I sent is included in the posts above.

The foam is similar to that found in craft stores, but a bit thicker. I've been making my own as well using plastic 3.5" floppy holders (about 1/2" thick)--I don't get asked about wiping bums that way :hyst: The quality on the die cut is actually quite good, but it's not C&F Design either (at 1/8th the price you wouldn't expect it to be). I stopped by my shop today and asked about them. They are distributed by REDL wholesale fishing supplies (a local, but large distributer and importer). There not super sexy, but great for chironomids and small softhackles and dries. Aaron

Brian, I did drop you a reply in your forum e-mail. Aaron

Another negative. I picked one up last year. The feathers (on the one I got) were useless. I went out and bought a jumbo BEP pelt in disgust. Aaron

I've picked up several of these boxes myself. They are cheap like borscht ($5 CDN) and hold hundreds of flies... I use these as my chironomid boxes as well. Kelly has them at Searun Fly and Tackle in Coquitlam, B.C. I'll try and remember to ask him where he gets them from.

I thought someone might disagree ... To each his own I suppose, but I stand by my suggestion. If you want to "present" a wet or even a streamer then you'll have much more control with a sink tip--i.e. ever try and mend a type V sunken line? The sink rate of a tip can be problematic for bottom presentations in deep fast water, but I seem to have no problem hitting bottom on the mighty Fraser with a sink tip... mind you when I fish there I'm chucking a 2" copper tubefly and 12-15' of T-14 with a spey rod :hyst: Aaron