SalarMan

Try not to over complicate this. In the case of Charlies Collins the determining factor for grading his necks...number of feathers. The grade 1, 2 or 3 necks are of similar quality...but like I said just vary in the density and number of feathers. His prices are VERY fair and he includes the saddle from the same bird with every neck. He is a great guy, totally honest and I think his necks are the best value available for the money. Go to his web site for Collins Hackle Farm for details. No worries about no pictures. He guarantees your satisfaction...period. George

The Stephenson is super...the "Mopham" is totally insane (I love it)...and your hooks are superb. Well done Connor...well done indeed. George

WELL??? What is happening. Don't tell me you're walking away from tying!!!

LOL !!!!!

Thanks...but who tied the fly in the photo?

Where do you source these patterns you post...and are they from a collection or do you tie them?

Thanks for the follow up Dean. I thought about this and it just made sense to say...see a doctor.

Ignore all of this...even my earlier comments. This is a flyfishing/tying web site...not medical. GO SEE A DOCTOR!!!!!

Another simple suggestion...I take a multi-vitamin every day. The key to what I take is label reading and looking for a good, diverse and strong dose of minerals. Will it help with your issue? Can't say , but it sure wouldn't hurt. Try something like Osteo Bi-flex too. You never know. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for your research and insight on this. I finally did a little on my own, and have come to the conclusion you are spot on regarding this series of flies. Thanks for the compliment too!!

Thanks Medic3141...appreciate the compliment. Actually R.B.M. is all I know. I got the pattern from Mike Radencich's book of classic salmon fly patterns, and he sourced it from Hale's book. I think I will do a little research to see if I can find out what it means. My best guess is the letters stand for the originator of the flies...but only a guess. The body material is "Kreinik Metallics" ribbon 1/8" wide. Because the original patterns call for various colors of celluloid for the body I used this as a sub. Mylar would approximate the celluloid, but I couldn't find purple anywhere. The wing is as follows - Underwing: White Tipped Turkey...Main wing: Kori Bustard, Green, Red & Yellow Swan and Golden Pheasant Tail...Bronze Mallard over...Topping plus Blue & Yellow Macaw Horns. Thanks to everyone for your compliments as well!!!!!

I have always found orange to be a certifiable fish catcher, and this fly is a winner for sure. Very nicely done.....

My wife's birthday is in February, so I decided to tie her the Amethyst which is part of the R.B.M Series of Gem Salmon Flies. The pattern was published in J. H. Hale's "How To Tie Salmon Flies" published in 1930. The hook is a Ronn Lucas, Sr, 4/0 Phillip Jones. My wife likes the fly and I hope you do as well. Of course her opinion is just a little biased😁😁 George

Old time stuff that took me a while to learn. Never made sense to me at first, but after a bit it just became natural.

Regarding the material terminology... "Topping" is used for golden pheasant crest no matter where it is used on the fly. The "Blue from yellow fur" hackle means the blue feather is tied in at and wound forward from where the yellow fur ends.