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Terje It is always with great anticipation whenever I click onto a pattern you submit. I marvel at the flies you share and I'm never disappointed. Thank you, and keep 'em coming when time permits.

Something that I use quite often is a pair of fingernail clippers. They are especially useful when you have to trim very close to the thread. I tend to fish a lot of comparaduns with a biot body and the clippers are able to get a very close cut to the hook. Also, when tying off several materials on smaller nymphs, such as a split case nymph, the fingernail clippers allow me to cut close to the thread and avoid a lot of bulk. They are also good for clipping wire and lead wraps. I usually use the cheap ones, the kind you can pick up 2 for a dollar. Once I've worn them out I grab another pair. Hope this will benefit some of you guys.

I actually gulped when I discovered this thread originated from Terje. For a first gold beadhead nymph, you did very well. I, like several others have already hinted, believe you are on your way to the dark side. Thanks for sharing.

I have a Regal Medallion and love it.If money is a problem, you might want to look into getting a Regal "clone" for about 40-50 bucks. I bought one ten years ago and it still works great. Only reason I bought the Regal was because the price was right and it had midge jaws.

I don't know what you will be tying but there are a couple of substitutes that can be used in place of a hackle stem. I have used moose mane (the long stuff, 4-5 inches) and bleached it and dyed it with good success. Stripped peacock also works well. The easiest way to strip peacock is a water/clorox solution (3/2 cup ratio); after a 5-6 minute soak the stems lose all the "fluff". Grabbing the stems by the butts and agitating them several times through the process also helps. After the eyes are ready rinse them very good. I then use a standard hair conditioner and work it into the eyes all together for several minutes then rinse again. This aids in the eyes not becoming so brittle. If you are tying larger flies try using some "Fireline" for segmentation; I have used it a lot this year and find the flies to be almost indestructable. Good luck.

Terge, I never tire of looking at all the flies you share. You really have a great talent and I appreciate you sharing.

The reverse order mystery swap box landed on my steps on Wednesday. It's back in the mail as of this morning. Thanks everyone.

Nice flies ... all of them. Trout and bluegill --- beware. I found a material that makes tying ants pretty easy. It's the no-skid material people put below table mats, or in their cabinets, and even underneath carpet. You can get it at WalMart in a roll that would last several lifetimes. Get the large size since it's easier to work with. By the way, it comes in different colors.

Very nice ..... productive fly, no doubt.

The flies arrived yesterday. They are now on their way to bassbugn.

I received my midges today! Great looking set of midges, I must add. John, thanks for hosting, and thanks for the tying instructions to your midges. They look wonderful.

Super glue .... two coats .... nice, clear finish and bulletproof.

Opened my package this morning and found some very nice flies from Professori. Thanks!!! Happy Holidays!

Black Fly midges left NC today. Thanks for hosting the Swap john; looking forward to seeing a bunch of midges.

Sorry; error in sending message

Terge, I have gotten into the habit of looking at each fly you post on this site because they are works of art. I'm amazed at your talent. Thank you for sharing and keep 'em coming.

Mine arrived today as well. Thanks for hosting again BFR. Y'all have a merry Christmas.

I'm a Hospice Chaplain.

Putting the Swap on hold until January is fine with me. The next 6 weeks are shaping up to be busy as usual.

I had the same trouble a while back, so I dyed my own. If you'd like I can send you some until you locate what you're looking for. Shoot me a pm ; the hen cape I have rarely, if ever, gets used.

I'll play if there's still a spot open; probably will be tying a #18 or 20 black fly midge

I used to see this topic all the time on this forum but never checked it out. I'm trying to find a good place to get some of the stick-on eyes (flat, prismatic, or holographic) in bulk. If you have a source, would you mind sharing? I'd like to get about 2000 . I've checked our sponsor and several other places but can't find what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance.

Flies are finished; please send addy when you get the chance. Thanks for hosting the best swap of the year!

I received my swap flies today; Great ties everyone. I cannot wait to fish these . Thanks to all, and to Big Daddy for hosting the swap.

I've got several extra quail skins. If you'd like one I'll be glad to send you one at no cost. I love soft hackles and a friend of mine went quail/grouse hunting last Fall and saved me a bunch of feathers. I've dyed a couple of the olive and yellow but still have plenty natural. Note: these are not perfect skins, but they do have alot of usable hackle on them fit for tying soft hackles.