Flicted

Sure, two-hook flies could work as good as a single hook streamer but why? Big mouthed predators like large and smallmouth, pike... dont nip at a streamer, they inhale it. Two-hook flies have a good chance of hooking or at least damaging the gills. And theyre harder and more expensive to tie. So, why use them for smallmouth?

Nice White Crappie

Great job with the editing. Looks like a great time. We are lucky to have fishable ice for more than a month some years. But love to get out and do that.

Ice?? Is that still last year's ice, next year's ice, or always ice. Summer here is almost over and thinking about next ice season.

Agree. I've done that on streamers.

Thanks much Bob. I bought the UTC GSP in brown and black along with a spool of Veevus from Hook & Hackle and when I explained the situation they shipped a brown from a different batch. The black is on back order. If it happens again, Ill just stick with white if I ever try it again.

Always used the "nose grease" trick but make sure the ferrules are clean before you rub them on your face. Been there, done that, endured the ridicule.

Thanks for all the input. Used it last night for three nymphs and there was enough brown gel in the tube that I couldn't feed the thread through it. I usually keep black 8/0 in one bobbin and black 6/0 in the other and that covers most flies. But I could see getting 2 or 3 more. Dedicated bobbin or not, I think it's not supposed to do gunk up like that. I will try the new one and the black and if they have similar issues, I can at least say I tried it. There are many other choices out there including using white thread and coloring it if needed for the head.

Thanks Mark. I dont have a problem with thread bunching. The color comes off and clumps at the knot when whip finishing. I have two bobbins and change thread often. It would be nice to have a few more but not many estate sales in farm county have fly tying gear. I guess my point is, if gel spun thread normally clumps and makes a mess, I just wont use it. Just wondered if anyone out there uses UTC GSP. I have black coming along with a new spool of brown to try.

It is UTC. Beautiful color but not sure its supposed to do that. Ive never used it. They are sending me a new one from another batch to see if its different.

I picked up some brown GSP tying thread and the brown (I assume gel) clumps up when pulling a whip finish tight. It also left brown residue inside my bobbin tube. When I switched to white veevus to do a comparison, the brown sludge came off on the white thread. Is this a problem with colored GSP thread or could it be that I got a bad batch? Thoughts??

Many factors. If you have a lot of overhead tree cover, I would move towards a shorter rod under 9'. Maybe down to 7 1/2'. But for different types of fishing, overhead casting may not be as much of a factor.

There aren't many of us "fairy wanders" in Nebraska either. There are more than you would think actually, but you do get some spectators once in a while.

Bill, there are hundreds of YouTube videos on rod building. There are books as well. If you can find a class in your area, that would be better. With most rod building retailers, they sell kits with all the guides, thread, etc. Most include handle kits as well. Its fun and rewarding to shape your own from cork rings but after looking at what Steve (steeldrifter) can make, youll be humbled and inspired. As always, ask any questions you have. Lots of experience in here.

I never read the "rod building" part of the catalog before today. It does a good job of explaining how to tie on the line guides. Certainly there are a few more details I would need to learn, but this might be part of a "fun winter project" (that's what I need, more projects--ha!). What resource do you recommend for becoming familiar with the details (shaping a handle, ferrules, etc.)? Cheers, Bill_729

Tie the hook onto your line first and then tie the fly. What could go wrong?

If your scissors are not magnetic, tap them on a magnet a few times. Once they are magnetized, you can pick up individual hooks and there is less chance of losing track of them. I have a 2x2" sheet magnet on my pedestal base and I put 3-6 hooks on that while I'm tying a few of each pattern. Keeps them from wandering around. Like the others have said, organization is something to learn NOW. And also, think about what you're doing. A hook in your sock may sound kinda cute but what happens when a dog or a kid crawls around where you are dragging those hooks.

Welcome Bill. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Hook and Hackle. I have never seen customer service even close to them. They have unbelievable specials and right now, they have free shipping. I built a 5wt travel rod recently. $149.00 blank marked down to 44.50. Components cost me around 60 but you could get by with cheaper in some of their kits. Glad you got back into it.

Thanks to all. Appreciate the input. I am now somewhat smarter. It is a one-owner from a small town. 80 year old lady so the car has never raced or been beat in any way. Kept in garage always and has been driven very little in the last 10 years. Maintenance has always been kept up but I wonder if sitting around has taken a toll. They were never travelers and being such a small town, each trip to the store, bank, doctor was less than 5 miles.

You could card it in some way and maybe keep some handy, but I would think a very fine wire wouldn't bulk up too badly.

I use an iPhone because it's what I have and I don't claim to be a high speed photographer like some of these guys. Their photos are fantastic. Much can be learned from these guys. But you can take much better pictures by making a few changes. Light and background are key. Mount the fly on a vise, hackle pliers, wine cork, something to make it stand up. Use a desk lamp or other good light source to light up the fly. Hold your camera against something solid to keep it from moving when you "click". Don't zoom in, it will amplify any movement you make. I have better luck taking the picture from about 18-24" away and then cropping in the edit mode to zoom in.

Wow. Can't get more custom than that. Beautiful. I think I asked before, but what do you use for the buffalo cap on the butt?

A family member has a 2-door 1968 Impala, Olive, Vinyl Top that has maybe 70,000 miles on it. Well cared for, very little rust if any. She wants us to sell it for her and I don't want to get taken advantage of. I've never dealt with buying or selling of old cars. I was hoping that by soliciting opinions in the Lodge here, I might get some learnin and go into this a little more prepared. Should I talk to folks at classic car shows? Is there a more modern, high-tech way to advertise a used car? What's the best way to get a legit value so I know what to expect?

Excellent story. Gives hope to those of use that prefer the old styles.

You can tell the difference because when burned, cotton smells like burned cotton and wool smells more like burned wool. Sorry. I had to.