Bruce Derington

When using a "standard" dry fly hook the, The hackle should measure 1 1/2 x hook gap where wing should be 2x hook gap. The hackle should in any event be tad shorter than the wing, assuming you use wings(many don't) Which ever you use the over all height, in general should not exceed 2x hook gap, or the length of the shank. I still use a hackle gauge and its called a Sturgis hackle gauge and it works great. Bruce

Heres a great trout opener Fly http://www.hatchesmagazine.com/tv//play.php?vid=196 Bruce

I guess it depends where your located

Nice!

Here in Michigan we have an abundance of giant mayflies so the big hex nymph is a great pattern. A Clouser swimming nymph is also good. Most streamers designed for big trout work quite well. Feenstra Emulator, peanut circus, regular Clousers too

Matt, you should already have my clip and I'll give ridderboss the flies on Sat. Huron show(along with return address ) Burnt Wing Reversed Hackle Hendrickson

Looks like a jointed Feenstra emulator. Nice lookin fly

If it doesn't hold a hook, get a vice that will if you plan on tying many deer hair flies

Harold, for tails on flies , goose biots are fine, and bodies on small flies as well. For making bodies, turkey biots have more length and thats really only difference. Biots are located on primary wing feathers and are actually the leading edge. Yo find Them you can google them but most places have them. If you watch the clips I posted it should answer some questions

Oh yea, dare devil colors, my favorite!

Mike, not to take away your thunder, heres a couple clips I posted a week or so ago, using biots http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=32966 Bruce

I'm comming with a couple of friends

Yup, nice job Mike. I've been tying with biots for quite some time and had good results. These are very durable and kinda fun to tie Bruce

Let me guess, Sat. night and mama is at work? Nice Browns, and I know right where you were standing

Yea, theres no problem using a pedestal base provided its got some weight. I primarily use the Masters with the saltwater base. You can get by with a lighter base IF you use "under" pressure (sort of pushing up on the bottom of hook while your pulling down on the deer hair. Pm me and we can meet in the virtual classroom for some tips or a Demo

Yeah, I figured that out after tying with the estaz. Really no difference twisting this. the fly on the left untwisted- right is twisted. Thought it had to be different. the chenille has a shorter fiber I guess similar to ice chenille. This pattern was made popular from Chuck Hawkins and Jeff Andrews (bear) made a dvd of it , as well as others AND is my go to Steelhead fly

Brent, I guess it depends on what over all effect your looking for. When tying a crystal bullet I want all the fibers sweeping back, I'm not sure you can get that effect if you spin the estaz. I guess I will do some experimentation and see for myself, Its an interesting idea/technique Bruce P.S. If I get a chance I'll post some results

Chase Good start for your first Adams. The tail has an ample enough of fearthers but I might suggest using the "spade" hackle, which is located on the sides of a rooster neck. These are much stiffer and will support the rear of the fly better than the feather your choosing. Some of the better grade rooster capes don't contain these spade feathers and in this case Whiting came out with Coq de Leon tailing packs which are fabulous for tails. Yes your body could use some twicking. Start exactly over the barb and have a taper. Your hackle comes too far back on the fly. FWALSH is right on about using hen neck for the wings. They make a great profile. Just crank out 2/3 dozen and they will begin to take shape and in no time you'll be tying like a pro. Heres an example of a Adams using spade hackle for tail and hen hackle for wings. We tied this particular fly in the virtual classroom, which is a great place to pickup on tips and techniques Bruce

Yep, Slyvester Nemes and well known tyer Dick Walle both tie tip in. Me as well

Flygirl, Yes I've been told that B4 :whistle:

Ok, now your showing off

I think its a nice pattern, Definately a great wax worm possibility. Lets see more Bruce

Nice job. I use this pattern quite a bit, Definately in my top 5 (in my box).

HEH wait a minute! that looks slightly familar :dunno: :boxing: Not bad buddy :headbang: Keep it up . I think you got it Bruce

I'm with steeldrifter, thats never going to work. Way too clean I can honestly say my table top has never been ,nor ever will be , that clean, and it is a very nice set up. I think its about time for you to do a virtual Bruce