JayWirth

333 & 444 are both great lines. I have always been happy with Cortland products.

I tend to agree and when asked by someone who is interested in starting what to get my answer is pick a fly or two you want to tie and get just that material. Soon the person as they acquire materials for different patterns the new tier is like the rest of us - a dry fly cape away from a hoarding diagnosis.

With streamers the point up or down doesn't matter. Research I have done appears that the choice up or down depended mainly on the shape and materials of the body.

No offense taken Poop. I agree that a tier should learn many different techniques, including how to tie off with a whip finish using both hands & tools; this will serve the tier well when faced with different situations. As a boy of 12 I was first taught how to properly whip finish by hand after wrapping hook shanks for streamers; once mastered I was taught how to tie jigs. The whip finish in the video is how I have been tying off a jig collar the past 38 years. The technique in my example shows how to finish the collar ending with a handsome cone shape and cutting the tag close to the jig head adding to a clean profile. Many tiers / fishermen are not concerned with the look of a jig collar and are mainly concerned with the durability and function of the lure - As fly tiers I doubt most of us look at a fly and not have the mental proportion chart flash in our minds (length of tail, wing length, head size, etc...). I just happen to also have the mental size chart picture in my head every time I look at a jig.

I replied to this Sunday using my tablet but I don't see my post. I use a whip finish but use a scrap thread loop which finishes the collar giving a neater appearance than just a hand whip. I have a few YouTube videos but this one shows the process Good luck with the class.

My Renzitti Ruby Tip is my favorite bobbin.

For cutting bucktail I have a pair of barber scissors with serrated blades which are replaceable. Not really an issue though my scissors are about 25 years old.

I would recommend a Mossberg 835 for what you are asking for and get a rifled barrel for deer season.

Awesome paint job - is the squid backwards?

It sounds like not so much of degrading over time but what care was taken during the lifetime of the thread. I also tend to do the same as Al mentions with stripping off a layer or two of thread to see if its just a damaged top layer. That being said, I have decades of production tying under my belt with thread that was purchased before I started in the family business. I know how this thread was stored, no damage (water, temp, etc...), and have become familiar with the same brand, size, & color in the last 30+ years. The thread in my inventory has maintained its quality, sometimes I find a deal on similar old stock at shows or online and have found some old thread (same brand & age) isn't so good.

My Case Stockman pocket knife is all that is needed for skinning big & small game. Butchering is question.

Im thinking of getting one. Does anyone know if there is any play or looseness where the different arms click in?

Im waiting on an order placed Sept 29, 2016. Two phone calls to the number on the web site gets no answer and voice mail is full. Im hoping things work out - my order wasn't that big.

Acid dye is best. Rit isn't bad and is available at any local Walmart

This is a creek I have found on our trips from Vestal, NY to Wilkes Barre, PA now that one of the kids is away at college. Any info would be appreciated: where to fish, access, is it worth it, county regulations, etc...

Washing a bucktail with hot water should never be a problem, if you are washing away dye you started with a poor quality tail. You may see color come off with the water but it is dry dye not completely rinsed off during dyeing/drying not the color leaving the hair.

I usually break the tail if its just getting to the hair while you are tying. To flatten simply wash in warm/hot soapy water, lay out flat to dry. I prefer laying out in the sun but a corner of the garage with a fan is OK also.

9" #5wt will serve you well anywhere in the Catskills

I see on Long Way Charter facebook page this morning a hammerhead and black tip sharks - both before breakfast

I just returned from Myrtle Beach and go almost every year. Not much for fly fishing but surf fishing in the evening / mornings will get something - last week I was catching sea trout from the beach. If you want a great outing get a charter with Capt Chris Long, Long Way Charters in Little River (N Myrtle Beach) and go out for some shark fishing. This guy is a great fisherman and you will not be sorry

Since you have a pond to use your creations - A basic winged ant will teach how to add dubbing, control your thread, tie in hackles and palmer but is a very simple pattern. Something like an Elk Hair Caddis is also a good choice showing some basic skills and making a fly that is good all season long.

Mine were received yesterday - Nice bunch of streamers!

My first rod was a Redington 9' 5wt with a much older hand me down Orvis Reel. It is a great rod and I have upgraded over the years but its always a joy to bring out the Redington now and again.

Any craft store will have sheet magnet. I use a piece from an old fridge calendar to hold hooks.

Those will work great. I use them ice fishing and have pulled many a walley and pike through the ice without any worry about straightening the hook.