DaveG

It's a good question as to why the Merganser is not used more for it's feathers. Their meat, like the fish eating Loon is useless. In my neck of the woods they are a nuisance, and I am always inclined to break out a Salt Water Clouser when they cruise my trout runs (hoping to clunk one fatally on the head). They are an aggressive bird that tends to cruise waterways in gangs. Lovely tie !!! dg

I believe it is "Your right to know" regarding the source and/or origin of the materials you buy. After that...make a choice. True "Temple Dog", according to several reliable references is only obtained by RIPPING THE FUR OFF THE DOG WHILE IT IS STILL ALIVE. The obvious over stimulation of the nerve cells causes the unique and unmistakable perpendicular set of the fur to the skin There will of course be some purveyors who are either ignorant or unscrupulous enough to deny this If you are knowingly purchasing true temple dog fur....I have NO PROBLEM letting you know I abhor the practice and have reduced respect for the buyer dg

I have heard various explanations as to the source of "true" temple dog fur. If even a little doubt remains in my mind as to the origin of this fur, I refuse to purchase it and would encourage others to do so, as some of the references point to obvious animal cruelty. Perhaps this is much ado about nothing. Got some info ??? dg

A great fly in all respects Micke !!! dg

Bully Bully to the winners and all participants. And thank you Will for making it all possible !!! dg

Micke: This fly is so perfect for that cloudy day with light rain and low light conditions. Excellent work !!! dg

Golden Pheasant tail never looked so good Daryn. A great tie. I'll give this one a shot for sure! dg

I would love to see this fly's profile on the swing and at the dangle. Looks like it wouldn't collapse too much Kevin. I got a hot spot in my heart for dressings like this. Can't decide whether it makes me want to hit the bench or the river. INSPIRING !!!!! dg

ooh...I love this fly Daryn. Filled with little surprises, beautiful to look at and very fishy dg

Hey Timo: Best group of Rats I've seen Timo. EXCEPTIONAL !!! I'd be afraid to fish them...but I would put them in my fly box and show them off to my fishing friends. I would warn them to not even look at them too hard dg

Ricounet: In addition to the exceptional tying...you captured the aggressive nature of the female mantis perfectly. WONDERFUL !!! dg

Hey Eric: You have the Fly Tying Forum's support in many ways. I served in Vietnam in 1970( Marines) and can share with you whenever you want. And it doesn't have to be about fly tying or fishing. Dave Gotzmer

Oh yeh....that will do nicely. Made to fish and made to look at . Great rendition of one of my favorites. Mighty fine tying dg

Hey Shaq: Have you tried Jack Cook ? www.irishangler.com dave

Nice to see your work Stillwater. As Frank said...you've tied for a while eh? Lovely set of classic Dee wings. dg

outstanding dressing...absolutely lovely... dg

Great Rat Bob (one of my favs) and WELCOME !!!!! dg

Outstanding....... great pattern, economy of motion, thread control. An excellent learning tool Shaq ( not to mention it's fishability) dg

absolutely incredible ......... dg

Whoa !!! My post was purely tongue in cheek. If you noticed, I finished it with the answer to my own question....the letter "D". I suppose some of you thought it was my initial. To be perfectly honest, my post was me just trying to be one of the guys. IN ANY EVENT..Fly Tyer Guy is absolutely correct. Despite my love of ribald topics and the humor I may find in it; It is demeaning to MANY WOMEN AND MEN. We get away with it because of the gender mix represented in the forum. Also, I believe it is important to remember that we are not a club. Certainly, if it is one of our goals to attract more ladies to flyfishing, this thread has had the opposite affect. I can be a better man and don't mind if I have to mind my manners.............. DaveG

What an indictment against the male species this post is !!! And...don't you folks realize that this forum is for those who take their fishing and tying seriously? You should all be ashamed of yourselves.... What do you have to say about that??? D

Outstanding work Timo. I have only known you as a tier of exceptional classic salmon patterns. I hope to see more of your diverse talents.. DaveG

Steelie: Just a stones throw away from the Ausable is the wonderful Upper Saranac River. The E. Leukon hatch is so heavy there (RIGHT NOW) that you might have 200-500 on your vest while you are casting into what appears to be a sea of foam. Wonderful and Exasperating !!! DaveG

OUTSTANDING RAY !! and what a fine visual example of guard hair effect DaveG

Hi Mike: I don't want to hi-jack this thread but will state briefly that mid-may the water temps are very unpredictable. The very last week of that month thru June are the cat's meow Back to the Isonychias, I have always belived that the success of the Zug Bug (as an Iso nymph) can be largely attributed to it's P-cock sword tail which is very lively Dave