Randyflycaster

Very interesting. I'm mot sure of one thing: When I wind the feather back toward the eye, won't I then have barbs sticking out all along the body? Thanks, Randy

Any thoughts? Can I use it instead of Hen or Partridge? Will CDC matt together too much? Thanks, Randy

I'll tell you this: If I can afford it, my next waders will have a zipper in front. Randy

I'm finding tying on tippet rings a real pain. I've been tying them on 5X tippet using an improved clinch knot. There's got to be an easier way. Randy

Curious: what's the difference between using strung herl and peacock herl eyes? Randy

I bought it on CD for about 40 bucks. Crackaig, I've done a parachute whip finish by taking the fly out of the vise, putting it back in vertically, then using a tool. I'll try to whip finish the way you showed. I used to know how to whip finish by hand, but I haven't done it it in quite awhile. BTW, there's techniques in your video I haven't seen anywhere, which is why I bookmarked it. Randy

Here's his obituary: I'm grateful I got to meet him. http://harris-fh.com/tribute/details/27 ... bute-start Randy

Craigaig, That is truly a great video, not only about splitting tails, but just about everything else. Flytier, also a great method, similar to the one in Craigaig's video. Interesting to see the slight differences. Folks, thanks so much, Randy

Thanks everyone. I've tried the Hockley method but couldn't figure it out. (I coulln't find anything on Youtube.) I think for now, Craven's method is the wa to go. It's the easiest. Randy

I just watched Chris Helm's video about tying Comparaduns. Again I run into the same problem: every time I spilt the microfibetts - I'm tying in about six of them and then bringing the thread up through the middle of the bunch - the fibetts end at different levels. (Some point up. Some point down.) And so I'm wondering: will this cause my fly to tip over? Thanks, Randy

I'm trying fur ants. Thanks for the insight. I guess where I fish I don't see flying ants. Randy

I've been tying some ants. The problem is, in the past, I had a hard time seeing the ants on the water. So I tied parachute ants. My concern now - after reading La Fontaine's and Marinaro's books on dry fly fishing - is that trout will see the parachute as it approaches their window and the ant won't, therefore, look realistic. (Ants don't have wings.) What I did do was cut the parachutes short. Am I over thinking things? Randy

You might be losing line tension, and that's killing your cast. When I roll cast I hold the line in place by pressing it against the handle with my index finger. When I end my forward cast I let go of the line. Also, a downward haul will work instead of holding the line in place. If you're using a WF line, I'd make sure I don't have too much line on the water. In other words, I'd want to have the end of the line head or at least the tapered part of the line inside my rod tip. Randy

This tying video might help: Randy

I liked the film, though I thought it was a bit too long. Randy

Documentary about a fly tier now on Netflix streaming: http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70274578?sod=search-autocomplete Randy

Mike, Thanks so much. Now I understand. Randy

"To properly do multiple half hitches, you should pull each one tight approximately 90 degrees farther around the hook." I'm not exactly sure what this means. Please explain. I think Chris Helm uses three half-hitches, but he does it all at once, making three thread wraps on a half-hitch tool. Randy

I mean from hitting the surface and breaking out their shucks. I remember reading somewhere that Ephemerellidae nymphs hatch laboriously. Randy

If not, do any of these hatch quickly? (I'm preparing an eastern hatch chart.) Ephemerella: subvaria, dorothea, invaria, guttulata. Thanks, Randy

I just got this book. It looks really good: http://www.amazon.com/Tying-Fishing-Soft-Hackled-Nymphs-Allen/dp/1571884033/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398776152&sr=1-1&keywords=allen+mcgee Randy

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I should've pointed out that I live in a large studio apartment, so I'd like something with a roll top or flip-down top. Right now I'm using my dining table. It's certainly big enough, but messy. Randy

Folks, If you know of a better option please let me know. With the pull out shelf I'd have more room than with a roll top desk. Randy

The top folds down, and it has a pull out shelf. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/103294-safavieh-wyatt-writing-desk-pull-out-tray.html Randy

What if I used Fleximent on the partridge feathers, then tied in a half dozen and split? Randy