kerusso

The mole fly has been a great pattern for me over the past 3 years. I have made successful substitutions regarding the beaver hair. I dyed some goose biots to a brown hue I liked and it worked well. I also used dark brown thread as a body along with a segmentation that will contrast with the dark brown thread. I also fish the mole fly tied with beaver (certainly nothing wrong with that). Good luck! FWIW, I prefer tying this fly using a dark brown body

Nice flies! Proportions appear to be spot - on. I have always been told the wing volume is supposed to be full as opposed to sparse. Great fly for moving water. Thank you for posting.

It's a pattern that certainly has some very fishy components. Wood duck is one of my favorite materials to use on a fly. I have not tied/fished this fly yet. I do have some sulpher soft hackles that closely resembles this fly. Are you still using this fly? If so, any success?

DFoster, I can resonate with reminiscing about the memories of the past year. I continue to fish year round. I was determined to find an easier knot to tie in the cold weather; the one I have used for several years was difficult to tie with very cold hands. I came upon the Davy Knot and have used it for the past year without any failure. I use what is referred to as the Double Davy knot. Also, while at the vise I visualize where I am going to cast the flies (usually on my favorite tailwater) and I of course visualize the takes on all of the dry flies. Bottom line ..... fly tying for me is very enjoyable. Two of my favorite flies are comprised of two materials each. I have never gotten into really difficult patterns and techniques. I did get a CDC Swiss Clamp last year and I have enjoyed working with it Happy tying!

Man that's awesome!! Loved the slow-mo in the video.

I used Rio lines and the high floating Hook and Hackle lines for several years and was very satisfied with both. Two years ago I bought 5 lines online and I think the lines at the time were $4. Put them on one 5 wt rig and 4 different 3wt outfits. I am pleased with the performance of the lines. I do not fish nearly as much as I want. I am not sure how well these lines would hold up if I were fishing 175-200 days a year. They are DT floating lines and I have fished them on 7, 8, 9, and 10 ft three weight rods. The lines get fished every trip I take and serve me well.

As an addition that what has already been said ......... Conranch hackle is very good IMO, and the Whiting hen hackle will work very well. I purchased a Swiss CDC clamp after watching a couple of videos on You Tube. The clamp enables you to use larger feathers to make smaller soft hackles. Some have used a potato chip bag clamp in the place of the Swiss clamp ..... I am sure there are other alternatives ..... its a handy technique for using larger feathers for smaller flies.

A hen cape could also be used. Depending on the type of flies you anticipate tying in the future several other styles of flies can be tied from the hen cape.

A friend of mine has several spools and really likes it because of the strength and small diameter. I believe it comes in 50m spools. It seems to work just fine for my friend.

The rod is en route to Steve's for repair. Thank you for your input.

I used to use stripped quills and from my experience they were pretty fragile. Started bleaching and dying moose mane to suit my needs and while it worked after several fish the mane would get tore up. Finally started using PowerPro microdeema line which usually comes in a four strand variety. Took the time to separate the four strands and now use that for most of my ribbing needs, especially on small midges. Then apply with tip of toothpick a small dab of superglue to further bulletproof the ribbing material. Works like a charm. While I have never used all four strands for larger flies it ought to work just fine.

Had a great weekend fishing my favorite tailrace. Driving back to the cabin my rod broke. It is not a fancy rod but is my "go to" rod because of the feel. I have just learned earlier today the owner of the company that sells the rod has died. I called his place of business in the hopes someone else was running it and the phone number is not longer valid. The rod is a Heritage 9ft 5wt 3 pc rod. The top two sections were involved in the break which occurred where the tip section slips into the ferrule of the second section. It was a clean break and the top section is still in the ferrule. I think I could get that piece out with a little work. My question is this ….. can components from other rod manufacturers fit this particular rod? The rod is black in color. Or, it is time to use the two remaining piece for tomato stakes? Thank you Greg

I like to make my fritters using buttermilk in my cornbread mix and add diced jalapeno and shredded cheddar cheese. Served with either Chili or fresh pulled BBQ it's hard to beat.

Just to follow up …… I bought some of the Veniards dye and it worked very well. Thank you Fatman for pointing me in that direction.

Many thanks for the Links Fatman. Much appreciated!

I've got the hen and rooster capes. The hen is great for buggers. The rooster is great for tailing hackle and legs on nymphs. Just prior to the feather shortage several years back I bought several CDL saddles to make sure I had them to use in the years ahead. I really like them ………. a lot.

Long time customer of FTD ……. really good bang for the bucks. Have not used all of his materials but have used many of them. Great guy to work with and stands behind his products.

I've got a couple of snowshoe rabbit feet that I would like to dye to a light dun color. In the past I have used two different shades of RIT dye but for some reason the feet always have a bluish/purplish tint to them rather than light dun. My question is for those who have dyed snowshoe rabbit feet successfully …… what dye did you use that worked for you? Snowshoe is one of my favorite tying materials. BWO's and Sulphurs are my favorite dry flies to tie and most are tied with snowshoe. The natural foot can be used and the wings are lighter in color. Any insight will be appreciated. Thank you.

Glad they arrived; thanks for letting me know. Hope that will get yo through until your order arrives.

Envelope is en route; enjoy!

Got it; will send out tomorrow.

Sorry Mark, nothing in my mailbox or notifications as of this evening.

Mark, PM me your address and I'll get them in the mail tomorrow. They are gratis …… enjoy!

Thank you for sharing this. I met Dave Brant at a Fly Fishing show in Charlotte about 16 years ago. He took the time and tied a beautiful Catskill style fly, explaining steps carefully and inviting questions. I saw him for the next three years and he always had several people at his table watching and learning. Seemed to be a really good guy, and those kind of people are sorely missed.

If you'd like, I can put some brown legs in an envelope and send them to you. I know you have already ordered some but they may not get to you for a couple of weeks. Just let me know. Kerusso