Gartooth

I'm not spamming for anything JU. I am not quite sure how you deduced that from my post or why you even felt it necessary to make that comment. I was merely pointing out several differences in two epoxy substitutes, which is by the way, the topic of this thread. If I had used any of the other numerous UV resins on the market I would have included them by name. Casey

CCG and Aleene's are both great products. And although they can be used for similar applications, each has distinct advantages. The key advantage to the CCG is the "instant cure" factor. It is almost as though you are welding materials in place with it. It also makes possible to shape and create flies that can't be made by other means or with other glues. I think there are a lot of cool new patterns and techniques that will ultimately be realized by using UV cure resins. For Popovic style flies, they are the best way to go. Aleene's is great because it's inexpensive, completely non-toxic, crystal clear, and very durable. As a glue or clear coat it is super. But there are several factors you have to accept when using it- It shrinks when it dries, thick applications require a drying wheel, you should wait about 3 days before really soaking (fishing) a thickly coated fly like a Surf Candy. Casey www.caseysmartt.com

Better keep a big bowl of honey nuts close by... and some water too. Casey

For those of you who fish moving water inhabited by hellgramites, these work well. Call them Leather Hellgies. Casey

Mine is a 3/0 Chrome Crease Fly. Casey

I prefer a loop-to-loop for backing to fly line and fly line to leader connections, mainly because they slide easily through the guides. This is a plus when you are targeting fish that scream into your backing. Also, when using a long leader, a knot will sometimes bind on the tip eye and prevent you from reaching a fish when you are trying to land it. This can be frustrating, especially in rough water like the surf. Those braided chinese handcuff style loop connectors seem like a great idea, but every one I have ever used has failed, usually during the cast. Perhaps I am not installing them correctly. I've been told a drop of superglue on only the butt end of the braid will secure it. Finally gave up on them and went back to the whipped loop as described above. Takes a few minutes to rig, but if you do it right it stays put. Casey

Greetings. My name is Casey Smartt and I live in New Braunfels, TX (NE of San Antonio). Been fly fishing/tying for about 25 years. Am married and have 2 boys (4yr and 8yr old). I am the fly fishing editor for Gulf Coast Connections magazine here in Texas, so I have lots of good excuses to spend money and time on fishing! My "real" job is owner/operator of a large scale composting operation that supplies compost and garden soils to the nursery/landscape industry. I enjoy fishing anywhere anytime for anything, but especially like casting at reds on the flats or casting at predators in the surf. Best Regards, Casey

Thanks guys. Bunch of good looking Dad patterns on here. I've always been fascinated with craw patterns. Very challenging to create ones that perform well along the bottom. Been using fabric paint (burnt orange or black) on that pattern lately in lieu of the permanent markers to create the segemented illusion. I think I like it better than the black markers. Pretty durable stuff when applied to natural fibers. Casey

Greetings. Casey Smartt here from New Braunfels, TX. Stumbled on to a link to this website and it's pretty cool. Here is a craw pattern I like. I call it the Easy-tie crawdad.