rstaight

I prefer single foot guides. Don't know if I read it or if I thought it up all on my own. I have this thought that the extra wraps somehow stiffens the action of the rod. Don't know if I'm wright but somehow I got the notion.

I have never used any of the UV products. But with my expierence with some wood working finishes I would not be surprised to hear humidity has an effect.

Around home I fish for bluegill, bass, carp, crappie, don't matter, of it swims it's catchable. I try to get a couple of trips in for trout and a saltwater trip each year. I have come to the same conclusion for each. The big ones get big because they are not stupid and are very cautious. The smaller ones, not so much.

Nice work again. That will be a pure joy on a small stream catching brookies or small browns. Even be a blast on a small pond popping bluegill.

Didn't happen to me but to one of my buddies while teaching a class. The first thing he tells you to do while teaching is crush the barb. He didn't. Since he ties on a Renzetti he wanted to show off some benefits of a true rotary vise. So he turns the hook over and adds some material. No one had a clue something was wrong until he asked for some help. Ya know that little piece of skin between your index finger and thumb? He ran the barb of the hook all the way through. So not only did he have the embarrassment and the pain of his mishap. He also had the weight of the vise to content with. They got the hook out of the vise, crushed the barb and backed the hook out. He put a Band-Aid on it and finished the class.

Don't forget to to try craft stores like Hobby Lobby. You can find plastic beads, and doll eyes. You can even find some more conventional materials like marabou, pheasant and peacock tails. I have been known to pick up hair extensions at beauty supply stores for use in streamers. A lot of folks use Sally Hansen for head cement. Try it in different colors or even some of the sparkle stuff.

First, welcome to the site. Always good to see the younger folk taking up the sport. If you go to your local fly shop, Cabela's, or even Bass Pro they can help alot with your questions that will pop up during conversation. As far as to what hook to use, the size and type of hook is normally at the very begining of the reciepe for the pattern you are tying. If it is more of a genric statement, the intended type of fly is on the label for the hook. Just beginning, trust what the experts and designers put on the labels, don't get caught up in all of the horse stuff. But keep in mind that not all manufacturers hooks are exactly the same size. One brands size 10 maybe between a 10 and 12 of another manufacturer. But they are close enough because proportions are normally based on the hook you are tying on.

Don't you hate when........You finally get some time to tie, go to the bench, and can't think of damn thing to tie.

Nice. I understand "research and development". I have made a few rod tubes out of PVC but never thought of painting them. Anything special you need to do? The rod sock is just as awesome as the rod.

Just hit me and I had to chuckle. I am on a motorcycle forum and asking what is the best tool is like asking what is the best motor oil. There is no best, just what do you prefer.

In my neck of the woods a Templeforks 5 or 6 wt is usually recommended for a first rod. As far as length, I remember reading the perfect rod length is 1 1/2 times your height. Since fly fishing has typically been a male dominated sport and most adult males are in the neighborhood of 6' tall, is the reason you see so many 9' rods. So for a typical 15 year old, an 8 1/2', moderate fast 5wt would be great. Pair that with an inexpensive (not cheap) disc drag reel and he will see years of service from it.

Go to (sorry for this) Fly Anglers Online and check out the Para Glen. Here is the link http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/fotw2/031907fotw.php

I would give the 17# a try. That way you will have a better idea of what's needed. I have used 12# in the past for the simple reason that is what I had. I like to leave the amber color you get from melting the ends.

I hear ya. I only have 1 brother and 1 sister. But cousins, are a different story. Mom had 8 brothers and 2 sisters. A few of them had 5 or more children. I had one uncle that made the comment we are not stopping until we have at least 1 boy and 1 girl. After 8 boys, they finally had their girl. Family reunions were a blast. If you didn't have a thick skin and could take some good natured ribbing, you was just cannon fodder. You learned to take as much as you gave. If you hit someone in the back of the head with a water balloon, be ready because sometime during you were going to get 2.

Guides in the area have reported catching smallmouth that were reguritating Japanese Beetles. If you can find a good imitation, give it a rip.

Won't get into all the details but my first fly rod 30+ years ago was fiberglass. I got it from Kmart. Still have it and it does see the light of day from time to time.

I have to agree with Mike, you can skimp and cut corners on everything but scissors. Shell out the money and get the get a good pair.

I am a machinist by education. I am a manufacturing engineer by profession. I am a woodworker by hobby. I understand the get what you pay for mentality. I will look at the high end tools to start with and say, do I really need that? If it is something I don't or won't use day to day I have no problem saving a few bucks. If something with a plastic handle holds up and works just as well as nice looking wooden handle, I have no problem saving a few bucks. But, if the high priced do dad can be justified, it's going home with me.

I took some classes in the winter of 1998 or 1999, can't remember which. Took them just to have something to do. Then I started buying tools and materials. Told the wife with what I "planned" on tying all I would need is a large tackle box to store stuff in and a wooden TV tray for a bench. Fast forward to today, My bench is a 1920's era roll top desk and every nook and cranny is stuffed with something. I have a 5 drawer lingerie chest that is used only for hackles and feathers. But I must say that the satisfaction I get when I catch something on a fly I tied using a leader I made all on a rod I built, I can't describe. Worth every blessed penny.

Awsome, just f---ing awesome. You may have something to supplement your income and retire.

Nice job on your first attempt. My preference would have been less chartreuse. That will reduce the bulk on the head. Again, nice job. Keep at it, you are going to be a good tier.

Another awesome build. I like the blue accent in the handle that complements the wraps. You sir, are a goddamn artist.

That's a good question. I built a 6wt about 6 years ago for our club auction and that crazy thing fought me tooth and nail. Guides wanting to turn, unruly thread, brain farts, and re-wrapping guides. THEN when I get to finishing, the first time I attempted a 1 part finish, it took forever to setup. Then I had to go with multiple coats to get it to build. It did come out nice. But what a PITA!

Nice. That's all I can say NICE. You can see quality even in a picture.

I'm slakin' I only have 43. But 13 of them are pre loaded on bobbins.