PoPnBuG

I got the arm and the jaws, just so I wouldn't have to completely disassemble the whole vise. Switching is simple, simply unscrew the parts from the left side of the arm. I place them on the bench in the order they come off. I slide the 'bent' arm out, slide the new arm in, and put the pieces back together in the reverse order I took them off! To be honest, I will tie for a long time using the clouser arm. The only time I switch back is to get the shank of the hook into what I think people are calling "true rotary" position. Most of the time, I can rotate the clouser arm with any fly I'm tying and get materials onto the hook. Actually, I don't switch very often at all. You could probably tie most anything with the clouser arm and jaws. OTOH, I could have a bad case of 'gotta have one of everything' syndrome! ...but it works for me!

When I got my traveler, I found tying the clouser a bit "pointy" when tying on the "bent arm". It isn't really the best hook position for clousers. I found the point getting in the way frequently. I bit the proverbial bullet, and bought the arm and jaws for tying clousers, and I'm glad I did. I can do a lot of tying on the straight arm, and usually don't have to switch back. So, IMHO, the clouser arm is worth the price. ... and I love my traveler, too!

Just one pic of a fat little brookie I caught last week. My son and I spent the day in the Shenandoah National Park. Aren't these the greatest little fish? I love'm!!

DuPont red-stick?

I was a fair spinner before the Nix video. I am confident that I'll be a better spinner when I get back to my vise. (In the middle of a room renovation, so my kids have their snakes in my way! ) My wife is pretty tired of watching that tape!

up again!!! ?!?!?!?!

Here's another link that is very good!! http://globalflyfisher.com/gallery/digitizing/index.html

Thank, TB... I don't want to get too fancy, just want to tye a handful for a shadow box kind of thing. I'll check those books out!!

I recommend the Nix video for deer hair bugs. I just got it, and it's really great! Green Caddis has it too, cheaper than anywhere else!!

To get the legs through the foam, try using a small needle, and heating it. For painting, prime the balsa with a clear lacquer to seal the wood first. There's a lot of popper talk going on, so check the other threads too!! Do a search and you'll get a weeks worth of reading Happy PoPn!!!

Do you have a favorite book that introduces one to tying salmon flies? I've tied some of the simple patterns, and they look "fair". I want a book that will help me step up a notch or so. I'll probably only put them in shadow boxes, but I want them to look nice. Your suggestions, ladies and gentlemen, if you please.... (OK, the rest of you can post too

I used the large paper grocery bags, and turned the top down to hold it open. That way, I can rummage through the clippings for other parts if I want'm! It sits on the floor, between my feet. If I'm not tying I just kick it under the desk until I need it again!

Sketch Those are great lamps, but I cannot find one that isn't plastic. I had the all metal version (like the picture) years ago, but wore the sucker out!!! The all metal has been impossible to find. I'll see if Sportsman Warehouse is on line... Thanks!

So let me get this straight... You THROW AWAY all those little bits and pieces? I have stuff I clipped off from years ago, I dig through them before I cut a new piece of material!! ... don't tell me.... I'm sick, right?

NEVER give up, and USE those flys!!! Patience, my young 'padawan' You'll get it! These guys will help, and there is plenty of reference on the web. Poke around. Here's a good one to try, his tutorials are great! (I use them too!!) Trout Flies Hang in there!!

I've tried this, and I'm awful at it. I end up packing way too much. What I try to do is focus on several patterns, and take the materials for those. That having been said, I end up adding a couple of more materials, and a couple more, and wind up having a medium size duffle near full... I don't give up, I just make sure I have room for it now. Good luck!!

Thanks guys!!

Fishinlk, Are you going to get rid of your old hooks? I'm teaching a fly tying class for the NWTF (Women in the Outdoors program) and could use them. Lemme know?

I've never been acused of being the sharpest tool in the fly tying box... Any change you have some pictures of this tool? Sounds interesting!! Thanks!

Yeah, I guess I'm mostly disappointed about it, I was looking forward to the "prize". I suppose there's a lot to be said for watching a board for a while, getting to know the participants, and getting yourself "established" on the board... Live and learn!!

On a different board, I joined a swap. I was far too excited about such a thing for a man of my years. (No, I'm not "old", but I'm no teenager either!!) I watched the forum in anticipation as folks joined the swap. I tied my flys, and sent them in. I waited, I saw messages of folks sending flies, looking good! Then, after a certain point, I was curious that the folks that posted didn't reply... at all!! There was no dialog between the swapmeister and any other of the participants except me! So, it's been over a month since we've seen the guy's last reply, close to 6 weeks now. There's been one other participant that left a message, but no one seems to be concerned. Now, I'm not concerned about the cost of 12 hooks, or the bucktail I used, or the time I spent.. (well, maybe a little), but at this point I feel duped. I sent the guy a postcard last weekend, so we'll see. Now, I hope the guy hasn't gotten ill, or had personal problems, I can understand that. I can't understand not taking a few minutes to post a message with a little info... Sorry guys, just needed to vent. It's like running down the stairs to find nothing under the tree, if you get my drift! (If it were coal, I would at least know the guy was THERE!!) Happy tyin' and fishin'...

Excellent!! Keep tyin' !!!

Hmmmmmmm..... ...Purple Haze, all in my brain.... A new color/theme for Abel? <Here's to you, Jimi!!>

I tie EVERYTHING barbless, or mash the barb down... even on (forgive me) plugs and spinners on the rare occasion that I spin fish. When there is a 'deep taker', unhooking and release is so much easier, AND QUICKER, it's just gotta be easier on the fish!

DFix!! How 'bout some pictures of that cutting creature??? Thanks!!