Andrew

Speculation on my part...but one must also look to the large scale commercial fly houses, Umpqua, Idewylde, Montana, etc...I would imagine becasue of their buying volume they get first crack at the supplies.

Estaz wrapped on a 12 0r 14 scud hot. A

Hello all, Just wondering if anyone had opinions on the following fly boxes. Scietific Angler's System X Bug Luggage C&F boxes I need a new nymph box; therefore, any comments about their ability to hold trout sized (12-20) nymphs would be appreciated. Thanks, A

Hook: Size 18 nymph Thread: Dark Olive Tail: Dyed Olive Mallard Flank Abdomen: Blend of 40% Black, 40% Dark Brown, and 20% Olive Rabbit (keep abdomen slender) Legs: Same as tail Wingcase: Black goose or turkey Thorax: same as abdomen Not my pattern. This one comes from Flyfisher's Paradise in State College, PA. Check out their website, tons of useful information there. Andrew

1. Parachut Hare's Ear 2. Parachute Adams 3. Black Beetle A

Don' trim. It may work, but it really takes away from the appearance of your fly. On a Quill Gordon, go 1x the hook shank. When finished tying the first fly, drop it onto your table. If it lands on the table the way you want it to land on the water you got it. If not, study the fly to see what needs to be changed. A

I, too, enjoy using the saddles. The problem with saddles, however, is that it is a pain in the rear to find fibers long enough for the tail. For most of my generachutes (generic parchutes used as attractors) I tend to use saddles for the hackle and moose (bleached or unbleached) for the tail. troutslayerny: Do not expect too much sympathy from me for having saddle hackle in those sizes. I cherish those when I see them. A

Check Harry Goode's Sport Shop (sic?) in Melbourne. Pretty nice shop and they should know some guides. Also try Florida Sportsman's web page. A

Interestingly enough, I used one of my older Metz necks last night for some parachute emergers. I have only been buying Whiting recently, but had purchased some Metz necks about 8 years ago. Not as many feathers, but great quality. I would imagine they have improved their product in the last several years. A

Umpqua took over the Metz operation several years ago. This is the only merger that I am aware of today. A

Trout: parchute hare's ear or black foam beetle Smallmouth: black bugger Steelhead: simple beadhead Shad: Orange Calftail Streamer Stripers: Clouser A

Tying speed is an interesting question. When do you start the clock? When the fly is in the vise or when you are prepping materials. Speed in the actual tying (putting the materials on the hook) always increases if all materials are set out beforehand, but shouldn't that time befactored in as well. In Randall Kaufman's Tying Nymphs he talks about tying a hares ear in under a minute, but he starts the clock after all materials have been prepped including wrapping the hook with lead. It is, however, still pretty impressive. Unless you are a commercial tyer, I think tying speed is overated. Quality, durable flies should be the first goal of a new tier. To answer your question: Not as long as it takes for me to tree them. Honestly though: Including prep time 10 an hour on standard or parchute dries, more per hour for comparduns. Unless my ADD is flaring up, then I am a lot slower. A

Make sure you are applying the dubbing in one direction, i.e. only spinning the thread between your fingers in on direction. Also, as said, use way less than you think you need. A

Also with parchutes you do not have to use your best hackle. They way the fly is supported by the hackle minimizes the need for ultra stiff barbs. Parachutes are great flies. They have pretty much replaced traditional Catskill ties in my boxes. I do, however, still carry a few Catskill flies because they are fun to tie. Andrew

I typically oversize the hackle on my parachutes. I use a Griffiths hackle gauge. On a size 16 fly, I would use a hackle guaged for a standard 14. Pay attention to the diameter of your post. If it is to thick the hackle will look grossly over-sized and vice-versa. Andrew