mikechell

Most solders have some lead in them. Since lead has such a low melting point, it is part of the alloy ... silver and tin being the other part(s) of the alloy. While it is true that lead is a toxic metal, there's been no proof that the small amount of lead "introduced" into the environment by anglers and hunters has been detrimental. naturally occurring lead is more likely in those areas where it's been detected. If you're hunting birds, and using shotgun ammo, then tungsten would be a better choice, since the possibility of ingesting lead shot is present. But I do not believe that you'll eat a hook with lead on it, or even a lead weight. And I sincerely believe that any lead I've lost in the water has not contaminated the lake, river or what ever BOW involved.

Almost all of my sinking and swimming flies are tied on #8 long or extra long shank hooks. My top water poppers are on #10 popper hooks. I tie a lot of streamers on #6 and larger hooks, mostly because I am hoping for bass ... but I catch a lot of sunfish on them.

I've caught the sea trout before. I've never caught tarpon or snook. That tarpon is a beautiful fish, like it was chromed. Great day in the 'Glades !!!

Black lights are very low energy source of ultra-violet light. And they are only operating in the UV-A range. Just because something doesn't glow under a black light does not mean it isn't reactive to UV light. But it is a good indicator of whether something is easily seen with low levels of UV-A ... which is what you'll have underwater ... very low energy level UV light. I'd guess that the material that doesn't glow with the black light, won't appear any different underwater.

I believe the fish are as fashion conscious as any woman out there. Black and purple, so I am told by Wife, is a terrible combination for any outfit, unless you are Elvira of the Dark or goth. So, it is possible that the fish, being fashionistas, are pounding the hell out of anything stupid enough to wear black and purple. Luckily for us, our stupid little lures have a hook buried in that outfit !!!

Do you only tie with synthetics? Yes! No! If you only use synthetics, what is the hook size range you tie on? Smaller than 1/0! 1/0 or larger, but no larger than 5/0! 2/0 or larger, but no larger than 5/0! 3/0 or larger but no larger than 5/0! 5/0 or larger! I can't answer this question, because I don't only use synthetics. And the vote won't go through because one has to answer all the questions. I apologize for the lack of tact, but this is a poorly written/asked poll. I will say that I like the looks of bucktail ... but there's some beautiful synthetic material that's prettier, flashier, MUCH more durable and easier to control. I tie with both, but will use synthetics as much as possible.

I guess I'll have to give up fishing so I'm not treading on this poor creature's rights or whatever. On second thought, I'm with PeterJay ... let's shoot a couple of them and see how the hair works on a streamer pattern.

Welcome Leaky. It's a good site, as you've seen ... add some comments about fly tying when ever you can. I say "about fly tying" because you are from Minnesota and I believe is FREEZING up there this time of year. Of course, Florida has thinned my blood a bit, so anything below 60 is freezing. Welcome to the typing side ... let's see what you can tie!

I read somewhere that you would have to buy 1.75 million tickets to increase your odds by 1%. I've always liked the saying, "Lottery is a tax on the mathematically illiterate."

Welcome Larry. Wisconsin ... well, you've got what ... the next 4 months of polar conditions stranding you indoors to re-learn the art of tying? I think the Step-by-Steps (SBS) on this site will give you lots of examples and assistance. Plus, I've seen the work of some of these guys, and they are experts. You've come to the right place.

just proves they'll never understand us. Just cause I have a rod, well ok several, doesn't mean buying me another is a bad thing. Fisherman? Easy to buy for. And I always tell Wife .... just get me gift cards for BPS. I KNOW what I want.

Scott !!! You changed your avatar. Oh, and you tie some Beautiful Flies !!! Toothy ... there are a lot of ugly fly tiers. And I do mean that either way you want to read it. My FLIES are pretty ugly, but I catch my fair share of fish with them. Some people make beautiful flies ... that are show pieces no one would dare fish with. I've heard ... the prettier the fly, the uglier the tier. My flies are UGLY !!!

Careful ... sounds like the last time you started fly tying, you ended up having kids. Don't do it the same way this time, okay?

I meant to reply to the posting with the flies ... I tie my own so figured the "non-tiers" would get into those more. If you are still selling these rods after the holidays, I might be able to get one, however, there are two problems. (1) Right now ... I don't yet know how much I'll be spending on the Wife, and I can't buy myself a gift that she might be getting me ... (2) I've never fished with a 3 weight, and I don't know if it'll throw the bugs and minnow flies I use for sunfish and bass. I'd love to take advantage of the E-bay sale ... just can't do it before Christmas.

Okay ... I opened the pictures and they look great. I don't know how a 5Mb picture opens in a size I can see, but I am happy they do. Your skills are impressive. How long did it take you to complete ... and what tools did you use?

Do you mean the addiction gets worse???

The thumbnails look good.

Those pictures are so large, I can't even find them panning around the full sized pic.

Two young men are in a car. They are being pulled over by a cop for speeding. The driver is a bit upset at being caught. The (rather large) cop asks for his license, and an argument ensues. The cop as getting angry when the driver finally hands over his information. After writing the ticket, the cop reaches through the window, slaps the driver as hard as he can and yells, "Don't you ever come through this part of the State again!" He continues, "You are belligerent, rude and stupid for arguing, reckless in your driving and you're lucky I didn't arrest you!" The driver, rubbing his cheek agrees not to drive this way again. The cop walks around the car, reaches through the passenger window and slaps the passenger as hard as he can. The passenger screams, "What the H#*L was that for?!" "That's so," replies the cop, "Down the road, you don't say, 'If he'd a slapped me like that, I'd have kicked his ass!'"

Wow! Nice looking rod, Steve. At that price, I am pretty sure I'll be able to talk the finance officer into allowing the funds.

Those are pretty good looking bugs. I am assuming you'll do an SBS so I don't go through a 300 yard spool trying to figure it out myself?

Yeah, I like this one much mo' betta !!! I like the rock and plant additions and the more colorful "alive" look it gives the tank.

PeterJay ... what are you saying? I am quite sure that you are just telling tall tales. [cough cough ... man these feathers are hard to swallow]

I'll be on the St. Johns River fishing for sunfish and crappie. I had a good sized crappie and 4 large bluegill yesterday ... looking to round out a mess tomorrow. Then we'll have a fish fry this weekend before I go back out on the road again.

Oh, that is wonderful !!! Thank you, so much. I've been looking at that tiny avatar picture for a while ... and now I'll have something to make me laugh when ever I look at it. That ink is up in your hat ... it's everywhere !!! Something else to give thanks for on this Thanksgiving Day ... people who can laugh and share that laughter. Thank you