ChuckingFluff 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2009 I can't figure out how to get the dumb thing to float. I used foam and elk hair and it floats for 10 seconds then slowly sinks beneath the surface. Any would suggestions would be appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oatka 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2009 I think you have more "sinky stuff" than "floaty stuff". Try making the whole body out of foam, or at least put some under the green body material you used. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallieFanatic 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2009 A question...are you using sheet craft foam (like from Wal*Mart or something) or stuff that is designed for fly tying? Because I baught some craft foam from wally world, and it actually does more to sink the stupid fly than float it. Maybe this could be the case? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChuckingFluff 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2009 It's craft foam and theres foam on the hook under the "sinky stuff". What's a good name brand for foam? Jan we don't have wally world but I like the name. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallieFanatic 0 Report post Posted October 22, 2009 Oh sorry....my bad. Wally world is Wal*Mart...but you might not have one of those? I get my foam from hairline, they make some great stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riffleriversteelheadslayer 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 well first thing is the foam under the green stuff probably isn't doing much of anything because it is bound in by the green stuff and compressing it causing it to lose its bouyancy also I noticed its on a pretty heavy hook also I'm not sure what the green stuff is but it looks like it might take on water instead of sheading it might try using a green craft foam strip and wraping it in for the abdomen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Futzer 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Is the Yellow body material furry foam or Chenille, try a yellow closed cell foam. I would offer to tie one and send, but I do not have any bench time in the future. Cheers, Futzer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flyfish Dog 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 From what I can see is the hook looks kind of heavy. I like to use a narrow strip of foam and wrap up the body and use a hackle for a rib. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riffleriversteelheadslayer 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 if you pm me your addy I will tie up one or two for you that will float Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arkansas Mike 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 I agree with RRSHS and Futzer. Try using a good closed-cell foam and don't compress it too much when you are tying it and the other materials in, you'll just collapse all the cells and it won't float near as well. I use 2mm thin fly foam. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Don't throw it away. With the right retrieve you can still make it look like the last gasp of a drowning bug. I agree with what has been said above, the heavier hook and chenille might be the down fall. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stippled Popper 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Even with the correct foam as suggested several times, IMHO at least part of the issue of the hook weight and the chenille combining to drag the fly down has to do with the length of the chosen hook shank. I'd expect that the amount of materials in the wing would not be enough to keep the rear of the fly from pulling the rear of the fly down changing the attitude of the fly in the water. Up to a point this can be a benefit. If Live2fish's suggestion doesn't save the day, perhaps a shorter hook shank would also help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChuckingFluff 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Paul thanks for your offer, I can't wait to see it and thanks for all the replies. I will take everything into account and try again. The next one will float. Don't worry I'll fish this as a flopper. Jan thanks for clarifing what wally world is. I think when I went to the US you could get a hand gun at wally world, long long time ago. We can only get paint ball guns up here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stippled Popper 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 The Fall 2009 issue of Fly Fishing & Tying Journal has a four page article on Balancing Foam Flies which might also be useful to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dafunk5446 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2009 Hey chuckingfluff, where do ya live in the great white north? I grew up in east central Alberta...eh?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites