Pyme Fisher

Well, I'm participating in my first swap, with you no less, and I see I've already screwed up. :-O Please don't be too mad at me! ;-) (Seriously, I did miss that detail when I sent mine in, and apologize)

As a new guy just in the middle of my first swap, can you take a minute and explain exactly what is involved in hosting and being a swapmeister? Some of us newer guys are unclear on those details, even after reading the sticky at the top. Thanks in advance.

Actually, I'd say you had a pretty good year. Your dad is cancer free and on the road to better health. And, you got a new boat and quit smoking. I'd say those are all pretty darned good things! :-)

Well of course he's losing weight! Take off half a leg and half your guts, and we'd *all* lose weight! (Just trying to lighten the mood for you a bit, no bad thoughts for you or your father!)

Okay, I'll be sure to consult with engineers and my manuals on fly building code and construction standards, and call for inspections along the way, the next time I'm erecting something so critical as a nymph.

I think that is obvious to most tyers. A recipe could list ingredients in any order, yet we would still know how to proceed.

Thread sealer "locks in" the color of the thread wraps, so that the epoxy (which actually provides the covering protection) doesn't alter or bleed the thread color dyes. Put the thread sealer on, allow it to dry, and then apply the epoxy over that. Many here, including one particular, with lots more experience than me, so I'll leave the finer details to them.

You don't want finish on the entire rod, just the threads.

Fair enough Swamp. I tend to get defensive of the VA system. Like I tell people, when I go see my doctor, or anybody else in the system, I don't call the local news that evening and tell them how great my day was. But somebody who isn't happy will, and the media love to run with those stories. As far as what we deserve, I don't feel like I deserve anything special just cause I chose to sign on the dotted line. It's an all volunteer force now, and has been for a long time. I certainly didn't give them 22 years just so I could get a free flu shot. ;-) Anyway, my personal first-hand experience with the VA has been quite positive, and I like to give credit where credit is due. And yes, maybe some day we'll cast a line together. Just hope neither of us gets hurt that day, or wyell really be in a quandary about where to go or what to do to get fixed up. ;-)

And the real kicker is, it will probably catch something!

Some constructive criticism..... Learn about lighting. You and everything you are trying to show is dark and sometimes silhouetted. Second, slow down. A webcam can't keep up with the fast movements. Or use that new GoPro, they can do amazing work. Third, be aware of your background (and make your bed ;-) Maybe consider hanging a neutral sheet behind you, or possibly some camo netting if you want to set that mood. Lastly, pick a day that you aren't fighting a cold and runny nose. Your intent is good, but now you need to start paying attention to details. From our PM's, you know what I used to do for a living, so I've got just a little bit of experience in this. Don't let any of the above get you down. Take it to heart, and work on constantly improving!

Are you a prognosticator, knowing how your 2020 went already? (Edit the video title.....)

I'd do that job in a heartbeat! The ones that really get credit here though are the Air Crane pilots. Unbelievable hover and unconventional direction skills!

Going out in today's mail. Primary buggers are brass beadheads with a green/black crystally chenille with matching grizzly hackle reinforced with fine silver wire and black marabou tail accented with light green crystal flash. Wild cards are hot pink beadheads with FTD white Kraken dubbing body wrapped in a light ginger hackle accented by red crystal flash and an orange tail. Primaries are natural looking, wild cards are meant as flashier attractors. All are on size 8, 3X Long hooks.

I just finished tying the wild cards (the primary dozen were completed yesterday), so they should be in tomorrow's mail.

Good luck. I must've changed my mind a dozen times. At the end, I pretty much said "Do whatever you think will look best", and put it in Steve's hands.

I've been following the swaps here, and figure it's about time I jump in and try one. So put my name on the list. Thanks.

Is March Feb part of the Aztec calendar?? New math? Politician non-committal speak? ;-)

Marabou. No need to reinvent the wheel on this one.

Yeah, what kind of post is "I ordered two new rods", without any more info??

Park that bad boy on the pier, climb up on top, start casting, and you've got it gooooiiinnggg ooooooonnnnnn. ;-)

Seriously, very nice work. Airbrush work is a unique skill in itself.

Blue?? Really?? Is it going to Mike's son?? Has this entire forum gone blue?? ;-)

Way too easy. ;-)

Very nice!