onceahoosier 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 Here is a very simple pattern I saw in a Jack Ellis bass fly fishing book call a "Grinnel Fly". Its pretty boring looking, but the bass love this fly, the big boys especially go for the version with a 5" tail. I also attached a sample of the catch. I think this a great fly for those new to deer hair to start with. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 Okay ... I looked, and neither "Jack Ellis" (as a fly tier) nor his "Grinnel Fly" show up on the internet. So is this a floating pattern ... or is the head weighted ... or does the wet fur strip weight it down? recipe? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sandflyx 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 I have tied similar and they are flush in the surface or just below. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onceahoosier 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 Okay ... I looked, and neither "Jack Ellis" (as a fly tier) nor his "Grinnel Fly" show up on the internet. So is this a floating pattern ... or is the head weighted ... or does the wet fur strip weight it down? recipe? The pattern is in the book "Bassin' with a Fly Rod" by Jack Ellis. I ordered it on Amazon maybe 2 years ago. It's a slider pattern, so it floats, but low in the film as deer hair flies tend to do. Ellis also says he fishes subsurface with a sinking line, although I never have. He also recommends using doll eyes, like my pattern here, to improve flotation. Since this fly makes little surface disruption, I find it is most effective in calm water. As for recipe, TMC 8089 size 2 or 6 hook, 4-5" medium rabbit strip tail (Ellis says to use thinner than that, I find wider is more durable, but it is a little harder to cast), deer hair head on front half of the hook trimmed to a bullit shape. He fishes it in tan, black, and olive, I've had the most luck on the tan version. I find it's more effective than poppers or divers most of the time Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted November 25, 2013 Thank you for the information. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captkenroy 0 Report post Posted November 28, 2013 Your flies will catch Bass here--for sure. I usually forego the stacked head and use soft foam. Pointed nose for a little swimming stealth or flat or cupped for a popper. If you get to this area (Crystal River, FL) give me a shout and I'll put you on a big one. Depending on the season you can catch Bass, Snook, Redfish or Tarpon. Sometimes all 4 in a day. Thirty four degrees here this morning. I'm gonna stay close to the fire. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
