bhaase

Thanks for the clarification, Arkle. You've certainly made me even more excited to recieve this DVD and learn more about Mr.Edwards and his flies. The book you mentioned, while extremely expensive, sounds like a good bit to watch out for in second hand shops and the like. I picked up another book (in fact, I think I learned about it on this website as well), Leisenring and Hidy's The Art of Tying the Wet Fly, for quite a steal on-line. Just one more angling-related thing to buy! Thanks again, Blake

Arkle...perhaps I'm misinterpretting your post, however, you seem to be pretty annoyed at the left handed comment. If you are/were, I just want to remind you that this is a "Beginner's Corner" section and I am very much a beginner. To most beginners watching a video on YouTube (as I pointed out) of Oliver Edwards tying flies, I would say it's safe to assume that most would think he's left handed - NOT, a right hander who's tying "in the opposite direction of the majority of tyers." I've obviously made a mistake and I appreciate your pointing that out to me. I'm still excited to recieve my DVD and I look forward to posting my review. Blake

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up purchasing the "Quick Ties and Favorite Flies" DVD from the link that Old Hat provided. If I end up really enjoying that, I imagine I'll invest in the Wet Fly edition. I'll let you know what I think after I watch it. I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks again, Blake

Thanks for the info, guys. The website that Old Hat provided seems like a valuable one. Does the "Wet Fly" DVD show how to tie flies? If not, is there one that I'm not seeing on that website that specifically deals with soft hackles and/or wets? Thanks! B

Hi there, Does anyone know where I can find some of Oliver Edwards' DVD's here in the states? I was also hoping that they wouldn't be close to $50 per volume, however, that may just be the way it's got to be with the exchange rate right now. I saw a video of him on YouTube showing how to tie a PT nymph in the Sawyer style...not only was it a great little lesson, but he also ties left-handed! This is a huge deal to me because I have a hard time following most instructions, whether in books or on a DVD, because so many tiers are right handed. Any info would be great. Thanks, Blake

As always, thanks for the advice. That was an interesting bit on where "bloa" comes from. I just received my copy of Nemes' 'Soft-Hackled Fly Imitations' and while the Stone Bloa doesn't seem to be mentioned, I do see other references of 'bloa' such as the Waterhen-Bloa. The name makes quite a bit more sense now that I know the meaning. Thanks, B

Thanks Rockworm and Mark. Can you guys direct me to an image of the Stone Bloa? I tried searching on Google and this database, but had no luck. Perhaps it goes by a different name at times? THanks again, Blake

Thanks, Mark. Those look like great readings! Based on a quick look, it may be helpful to purchase a full starling versus just the wings. Is that correct? Another question for you regarding the Iron Blue Dun...if I don't have mole's fur for the body, is there another kind of dubbing I can substitute? As always, thanks. Blake

Thanks, Rockworm. I actually tied some flies last night using the snipe (maybe starling tonight). Based on what you've told me, I think I was probably using the marginal coverts found near the top of the wing. Overall, I think it makes a great looking fly. I tied about a dozen "snipe and purples" in sizes 12 and 14. Some I added a hares ear thorax to, others I didn't. I will say that the hackle was considerably more fragile that the partridge hackle I was used to using. I probably broke off (at tie in point) a third of the time. Shezli, I plan on using the snipe on additional snipe and purples, snipe and yellows, etc. The starling will be used on starling and herl, Leisenring's Iron Blue Dun, and some Black Spiders. If you all have any other patterns you'd like to suggest, I'd love to hear them. Thanks, Blake

Thanks again. I think you're probably right on all fronts. I'm going to try the dubbing advice before wrapping the body. That sounds like a good plan. B

Hi again, Can someone please give me some advice on where to intially take feathers from snipe and starling wings? Is it just the obvious places where the barbs look to be the appropriate size? Thanks, Blake

Thanks for the reply. You made a lot of good points. I think I have to go back to one of my books by Nemes or Hughes...aren't a lot of, or most, soft hackled flies finished with thread? I think I've been doing these wrong by finishing the head in silk floss. Funny point about watching the hands. I climb a lot and just the other night, while tying, I was having a hell of a time with the floss getting stuck on calluses on my finger tips. I definately have to start watching that. Thanks again, Blake

Hi there, Any recommendations for a specific bobbin when using Pearsall's gossamer silk? I just received my first few spools and I hadn't realized how much smaller they are compared to a normal spool of thread. I currently use only one bobbin, a Griffin ceramic, and it's served me just fine. Ironically, just last night I was thinking that I should invest in a few more bobbins for different threads. I've found that just the idea of having to switch threads using the same bobbin in enough for me to sometimes call it a night. Also, when using thicker (4 strand) silk do you usually set that up in a bobbin too? I've found it pretty difficult at certain points using the bobbin...specifically, with finish the fly it tends to unravel on me. Recently, I've started cutting off a few inches of it and tying it in - therefore, using thread to finish it, not floss. Thanks, Blake

Yes, thanks guys for all the advice. As I said in the original post, I'm really happy to have found this website. I'm sure I'll be visiting with more questions often. Blake

Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate the advice. I've been climbing weekly for about 11 years and the condition of my hands really don't help with the use of floss. I had never thought about wearing gloves while tying. While it is a bit frustrating for me right now, it certainly seems worthwhile. Do you have any feelings on silk versus thread? I guess I'm interested in the silk for two reasons - one is that it's sort of the original call in the recipe - and two is because the colors available seem to be more vibrant than the thread options. I wonder, however, if that's really the case regarding the colors available. Hmm. Thanks again, Blake