vicrider 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I have most everything I need to some shrimp flies but the mono eyes. I was going to order some but they're almost $6 for 6 pairs. 12 flies and a couple of spares and I'm almost $15 for just the eyes. Nahah. So, I own a lighter and paint and should be able to make my own but what # test do you guys use for the eyes? I don't think I have any mono around over about 17# test but kid is going into town today and I can have him pick me up a spool of heavier cheap line just for eye making. What # test for the various eyes you guys make? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
agn54 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I use small black beads on a piece of Mason's 30 lb and then coat it with UV resin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rstaight 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I would give the 17# a try. That way you will have a better idea of what's needed. I have used 12# in the past for the simple reason that is what I had. I like to leave the amber color you get from melting the ends. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bimini15 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I use a piece of 40lb mono burnt, dipped in black nail polish, then in UV resin. Been thinking about mixing the polish, or paint, with the resin, but maybe next time... Anyone tried? The 17lb may work with an extra dip to build it up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 plastic bristle hair brush. instant eyes. walmart Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam Saarinen 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 flytire! THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR THE HAIR BRUSH IDEA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 YOUR WELCOME!! WHY ARE YOU YELLING? YOU'RE IN EUROPE AND I'M IN THE USA! I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO HEAR YOU Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lesg 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 Hi VC, I use cheap 25 pound mono for crayfish eyes. I'm only guessing that shrimp eyes are about the same size. Grab it with tweezers burn and paint. I use sally hansens red nail polish. Looks good on my nails too. Les Just kidding about the nails. Honest. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam Saarinen 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 SORRY!!! thought big letters would show how thankfull for the idea i really was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave G. 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 Shrimp don't have all that big an eye. I'd do the 17lb, bet it looks fine. I think I did some with 8lb once, it gave a general impression of eyes.. Bet the 17 sounds good. And too if you are careful you can kind of mold as big a blob as you want. I have some of those plastic eyes, never liked them. The bar is too long, at least for shrimp. Might be ok for a crayfish but then I prefer weighted eyes, brass or what ever. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikechell 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I tried making eyes with some 25 # I got for doing weed guards. I did NOT like them. First thing I noticed was the quick tendency to catch fire. It actually popped and boiled almost as soon as the flame got near. Second thing ... when I did get it to melt/not burn, it wanted to drip too easily. Had a hard time getting a round eye that wasn't hanging off the side of the "stem". So I made some with some regular 14# test fishing line. Much easier to melt, kept the eyes fairly centered on the stem, and made large enough eyes to give the proper "impression" on the finished fly. I think you'll do fine with the 17# test. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kimo 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I use 17#, 30# and 50# mono. 17# is for my scud and mysis. 30# and 50# are for my articulated aggravator.I cut off 1/2" to 5/8" length.I crimp the middle with pliers.I then hold them with a pair of tweezers and wave thru the middle of a lighter flame.Waving them thru the middle keeps the mono from flaming and lets me melt both ends at the same time so they are even.I then use the tweezers to apply them to the hook while I figure eight them with my thread.The reason I crimp is so I have more surface area touching between the mono and hook. Instead of round to round, I have round to flat.I have tried coloring the UV resin and then applying it to the burnt bulb of mono. Not worth the trouble.I just color the burnt end with marker and apply a big blob of UV Resin. I like that look best.Kimo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bimini15 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I forgot. I have also used in the past those pins that come with new shirts and hold them, the shirts, folded to a piece of cardboard. I thought they worked well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m_grieb 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 usually, i use 50 pound mono. i dont bother with the lighter stuff because i dont feel the need to have my eyes add movement to the fly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retrocarp 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2016 I pretty much use the same technique as kimo and the videos shown....some times though I may use 4lb mono for smaller flies like scuds Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
