cbinwindsor

Great looking pattern. I like the use of the estaz behind the hackle. Really nice.. CB

Great post. :thumbup: Regards, CB

On this one I put a little zap a gap on the front and then laid the hair back to set the face of the popper. Hair poppers are new to me so I'm not sure I'll always do it but it seems like a good idea for now. CB

A new addition to the fly pattern database has been submitted by cbinwindsor: Stacked and Black

My 2 cents....I agree entirely with Old Hat's explanation. Sitting on the surface tension and floating are two differnt phenomenon. Just becasue it's on the surface doesn't mean it's mimicking the insect. The biggest improvement in my flies abillity to stay riding high was by working on my casting, improving my mends, keeping my leaders good and stright and using lighter tippet. CB

Without having the fly in hand it's hard to say but for the sake of constructive criticism.... here goes. - the dubbing looks as though it could be wrapped a little loose. Try to pull the dubbing off with your fingers. If you can get some off then your application of dubbing could use improvement. Either add less to the thread with more wraps or use a dubbing loop depending on the look you want. - hackle fibres at the hook eye as mentioned and you've crowded the eye. CB

I'll second contacting Al Beatty. That's where I got mine. CB

Looks great Steve! That sounds like a great kit. You'll love it man. Looks like you've got a great handle on it already. Nice pic. Whites are a little blown but the focus is right on. CB

A new addition to the fly pattern database has been submitted by cbinwindsor: Hook-up rabbit minnow

Nothing fancy but I've been concentrating on tying with material I have rather than seeking out more materials. Besides, seeking materials is time that could be used for fishing and it's time I need, not more stuff. CB

I posted this on another site as a follow up regarding alternatives to heron for tying spey flies. The Lady Caroline pattern that I posted a week ago prompted me to look into alternatives to overly expensive and illegal heron plumes. The page they're on is a 8.5x11 for size reference. In the image below from left to right..... - dyed blue ear pheasant - bronze grade Whiting spey bird fur - ring necked pheasant rump - silver grade Whiting spey hackle - burnt goose feathers Some close ups. blue ear pheasant bronze grade Whiting spey bird fur ring necked pheasant rump silver grade Whiting spey hackle burnt goose feathers It would seem to me that the Whiting spey hackles are far and away the best. I haven't got prices from Piscator Flies but USA online retailers are asking around $30 a neck which is a bargain compared to blue eared pheasant. The bird fur appears to be the bargain of the bunch at about $8 for half a saddle. It could be used however it wouls seem to be better suited as a replacement for marabou. CB

I'm hoping I can make it. If I do, I'll let you know. CB

A new addition to the fly pattern database has been submitted by cbinwindsor: Lady Caroline

Thanks gang. Sounds like there are more options than I realized! I'm sure that between all of these I'll be hooked up with some quality herl in no time. Thanks again, CB

Great stuff John! CB