ChromeAddict

I've been doing carp flies lately. Here are my two favorites. If anyone wants the pattern let me know (not sure if this is already a pattern or not). Fly 1: Fly 2; I also just finished a box full of carp flies. I'll see if I can get pictures tomorrow.

Really like that one Mike. Chub are lots of fun . What did you use for the body/legs, under the shellback?

http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/07/sports/outdoors-hookless-fly-fishing-is-a-humane-advance.html Here is an article some of you may find interesting. I would definitely like to give this a try this summer. (I hope posting links does not infringe upon any rules).

One of my first serious tries at a synthetic baitfish. Advice is welcomed as always. Once again, I apologize for the bad photos. I'm still learning .

Welcome! I'm also from Ontario, around Lake O. There are some great patterns here.

Amazing flies everyone.

Thanks everyone. I'm still working on my photos Mike, I'll try taking photos with it in the vise next time, using a foam backplate. The hook I used is a mustad C53S in size 12. It isn't labeled as a dry fly hook, but it floats okay, I think. What are the advantages of a down eye? I use them on my nymphs but I'm not sure what they do. Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm new to tying so I really appreciate all the help.

I posted my first try of this dry fly in the 'flies from the bench' thread for January and got some spectacular advice in that thread. I tried to put that advice to use in my second try. Please critique these flies, any advice would be appreciated. First: Second:

Henrik, thanks so much for the tips, I really appreciate it. I will tie another one tonight and try to post a photo.

I'm really proud of this dry fly I tied. It took me almost 40 mins, but I was really focusing on proportions and laying each thread wrap with a purpose. It is tied with black Whiting Farms rooster hackle, Black Superfine dubbing and black 8/0 Uni thread. I used a size 12 Mustad C53S hook. It isn't labeled as a dry fly hook, but it still floats with the hackle on it. I hope I did okay .

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Beautiful fly Scott. I love how the hackles complement each other, and the color on the tail fibers is outstanding.

Looks amazing!

By single strand wire, do you mean one strand of wire crimped? If so that's a really good idea.

Nice I love articulated flies, In obervation of that picture if im seeing it correctly it looks like a lot of loop between the two hooks, you might have problems with it fouling during the cast. again thats if im seeing the picture correctly It is quite a long loop. On the next one I am going to try shrink tubing to make the connection a bit stiffer. Hopefully that helps with fouling during the cast. Many thanks for the suggestion. Sure! Trailer hook:3/0 Gamakatsu split shot/drop shot hook, barb crushed. Main hook: Large bass style spinnerbait hook, barb crushed. Thread: 6/0 UNI, Fire Orange (This thread seemed a bit light, 6/0 Veevus would be much better). Trailer: Start thread at midpoint of hook, wrap back a bit. Tie in crosscut rabbit (whatever color you want), wrap 1/3 to 1/2 way up the hook, tie off, trim, cover butt, whip finish. Add head cement (I used 2-3 coats of Loon water based). Main fly: Start thread near eye, tie in wire facing forwards, double it back, secure it down well, trim tag end and cover it. Pass the remainder of the wire through the eye of the trailer and pull to whatever length you want. (I'm going to try adding shrink wrap at this step). Tie down wire, double it back, tie it down again, trim, cover tag. I also added some head cement over all the threads here to really lock everything in. Tail: 4 long black hackles from the base of a rooster cape, add a few stands of flashabou to each side. Body: I did it in this order: -Black crystal chenille ball (2-3 turns) -Blue dun bucktail spun around hook, reaching to midpoint of the tail. -Smaller black hackle on each side, a tad longer than the bucktail. -Black crystal chenille ball (2-3 turns) -More blue dun bucktail spun around the hook -Another hackle on each side (Move thread forward a bit, apply thin head cement to exposed threads) -Final clump of blue dun bucktail spun around hook -Form head, whip finish, add head cement (also 2-3 coats of Loon water based) A few things I noticed: -The hair from the base of the tail spins and flares much nicer than the hair from the tip. -The tag end of wire will cut your thread, be careful when covering it. -Adding a bit of head cement/glue to the hook/threads under where you want the chenille ball, then wrapping the chenille over it makes the fly very durable. -Cutting the hair butts off at an angle allows you to have a body without any large steps in it.

Thanks guys! I'll be sure to post them inn that thread as well. I did one with a trailer this morning that I think looks nice.

My first try at a large saltwater type fly. I really enjoyed tying it. I hope it's worthy of this thread! .

I also use Griffin bobbins without issues. I have a Dr.Slick midge bobbin that I keep spooled with wire - I guess short bobbins aren't for me.

Bulb, that second fly would make a great October caddis. Awesome flies.

Try a deceiver or a hairwing streamer.

Thanks for putting in the time to make this. Great read.

Great read, thanks for posting.

Brown buggers work well for carp. Use a soft webby hackle and wrap it densely, make the tail a bit shorter and dub a body instead of using chenille. It makes a pretty good looking fly. I haven't fly fished for gar yet, but I really want to.

Does anyone buy materials from here?I have seen it recommended here a few times. Their prices seem super cheap and their dubbing blends look awesome, but how can they be so cheap? Is this one of those 'too good to be true' things, or is it worth placing an order?

You have received some great advice. I'm certainly no expert but it looks quite nice regardless. With some of the tips given, you will be well on your way to tying some stellar flies.