cornmuse

That fly is called the Mixed Media. I created that one about 5 years ago for late summer/early autumn smallmouth and you're right - it's a killer for carp! Not a bad choice for redfish, either Joe C.

They are fantastic for carp. I like to use a small egg pattern in 'Wisconsin Cheese' color - about a size 12. Drop it in front of tailing carp and they'll hoover it right up! Joe C.

That Deceiver is tied on an Eagle Claw 234 3/0 hook and is 6" long, give or take a fraction. JOe

This fly in this color... It imitates a young carp - and important baitfish for muskie in the early season. Fish this from March through May.... Joe C.

Nice pics of the Blondes. I especially like the rainbow version. I've just finished some in-depth research on the history and variations of this pattern. I'll be posting the article in the near future along with related side-bar article about the Mara-Blonde, the Stacked Blonde, the Hair Deceiver and other related patterns. The Blonde was truly the genesis of a lot of the most effective streamer flies used in salt and fresh water today. Joe C.

Detailed hi rez images and patterns given for each fly along with "how to" information. Fly Fish Ohio Enjoy! Joe C.

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Well, since I've gone far beyond the depth any print magazine will ever consider, it looks like I'll publish it to Fly Fish Ohio. I'll do a step-by-step sidebar article about the Stacked Blonde and another step-by-step sidebar article about the Mara-Blonde. I may also do a video on the traditional tie. I'm really amazed at: a) how many world records have been taken on Blondes such as Brown Trout (more than 24lbs), Striped Bass (over 30lbs), Karakawa (whatever the hell that is), tarpon, etc... By my best estimation this pattern - the Platinum in particular - has accounted for more than half a dozen fly fishing world records, and it has inspired a ton of well-known and classic flies from the Deceiver to the Clouser to the Surf Candy to Tom Nixon's Serpent bass fly. Amazing... Look for the finished article sometime around the end of the month. Joe C.

I just wanted to let you guys know this little swap inspired me. I've tied every named Blonde in a presentation grade and I'll be tying Blondes, Mara-Blondes and Stacked Blondes at the NCFF Fly Tying Show in Cleveland this weekend. I've also written a comprehensive article about the fly pattern (over 3,000 words on a fly with two materials :dunno: ) and I'm beginning the process of photographing flies and tying steps. Can't wait to see what the mailman brings :headbang: Tight lines and soft water... Joe C.

The standard hook for the original Joe Brooks Blonde series of flies is the Mustad 3407. This hook is tin plated O'Shaughnessy 1XL. The stainlesss steel equivalent is the 34007. I also like the Eagle Claw 253. These are all good choices for 2,1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 or even 4/0 ties. The wire is too thick, IMO, for flies in the 4/0 and larger - if you're going that route try the new Ad Sweier pike hook. For most of the Blondes I use I've been tying on Mustad 36890 salmon fly hooks. I love the appearance of the Blonde with the upturned eye and graceful Limerick bend of a salmon iron. You can use the Gamakatsu or Daiichi equivalent. If I wanted to tie strictly for fresh water and use a standard hook I think a good bronze choice would be the 3699 for sizes 2 to 2/0. For Mara-Blondes I might even use that hook down to a size 6. FWIW I'm a featured tier at the NCFF Fly Tying Show in Cleveland this weekend. I'll be tying Blondes and Blonde variations at the show just to show what can be done with a simple fly design. Joe C.

Everyone is invited! Please join us at the Buffalo Mountain Coffee Shop in Dillonvale, just two short miles from the Kenwood Towne Centre Mall from 6PM till 8PM on Thursday, January 18 for a program of fly tying instruction being headed by :headbang: Mr. Mike Schmidt :headbang: of Angler's Choice Flies. Mike will tie traditional winged wet flies, patterns that have a history that reaches back to the very genesis of fly fishing in the United States and beyond - all the way to Izzac Walton! Learn how to tie and fish these wonderful flies that are still so effective on the Mad River for spooky, selective trout. Would you like a new trick in your flyfishing bag this year? Are you ready to take that next step where your flies look just like the ones pictured in the expensive books? Mike can help! Join us for a great evening of aromatic cappucino and cacauphonous conversation as we gather around Mike for a lesson in Classic Wet Flies :yahoo: . The program will be held at the Buffalo Mountain Coffee Shop in Dillonvale (Northeastern Cincinnati) , right off Galbraith Road. Information, phone numbers and maps can be found Here See you Thursday night! Joe C.

One of the forum members has kindly offered to send the hooks specified by Lidesman in the 2000 publication first describing the Stacked Blonde. As soon as I have the hooks I'll tie one up and add it to the pattern data base. I'll also work out a variation for a J iron that will work. I think a variation of an Ally's Shrimp might accomplish the same thing - provide a broad profile and maximum action. Joe C.

Steve Tagami of Mustad North America sent me this reply: It looks like Keel Flies are a thing of the past. Joe C.

Actually, the Blondes were originally tied on the Mustad 3407 saltwater hook. All the Blondes are tied on ordinary "J" irons - I like to use a loop-eye salmon hook because that's the way I tied them way back. It really doesn't matter. The Stacked Blonde actually uses the Keel Hook point down - a very unusual application. This is done to create a fly with a very wide profile - likely to imitate a small sunfish or shad type body shape. It's tied as a trout fly. The one tutorial I've found online of this tie has it completely wrong. I am under the belief that the Keel hook was discontinued. I've dropped an email to Steve at Mustad to confirm this - he's the North American rep. Nice guy, I spoke with him at length at the Fly Fishing Retailer trade show back in August. Anyway, if the hook is discontinued I'm not going to go into a lot of depth on the Stacked Blonde simply because the average tier won't be able to get the irons to make it. If there is a hook that is similar I might include a bit more info on it in the article. I've gone to the extent of getting reprints of articles from Outdoor Life from 1963, 1965 and 1966 Field and Stream to research this. It looks like it might be the most in-depth artictile on this fly type published in quite a few year. I'm still working it. If anyone out there has a handful of keel hooks, I'll happily tie a Stacked Blonde and post images and a step-by-step on this forum in exchange for two (2) size 2 Keel hooks. It's a creative and iteresting fly concept even if it isn't easy to get the hooks! Send me three hooks and I'll tie a Stacked Blonde and send it back to you as payment for the hooks! Thanks. Joe C.

I'm working on an article about the Blonde series of flies. One of the variations, the Stacked Blonde, is tied on a Mustad 79666 Keel Hook. I remember reading someplace that this hook had been discontinued. Can anyone confirm avialability? Are there any other manufacturers of this style hook? Thanks for the assistance. Joe C.

I got this silver badger neck from Fly Tiers Variant web site. Good price and very good service. Joe C.

Email me your snail mail, please. Mine are done... I'll try to post a pic over the weekend. Joe C.

This is a great pattern for everything from smallmouth to trout. It's also got the prettiest Christmas colors. As always, full video and step-by-step pics. Fly Fish Ohio A special fly tying article will be posted in January - how to tie the "Fly" in Float-n-Fly! We'll look at both the spin fishing version and a pattern and technique for fly rod afficianados. Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Joe C.

A new addition to the fly pattern database has been submitted by cornmuse: Light Spruce Streamer

I guess I'll do a Strawberry Blonde? Anyone tying that color combination?

Hey guys: Dumb question, but I've been travelling a lot for work and have had sporadic - at best- opportunity to participate in the forums. I just remembered this swap and came looking for an update. Was I counted in or out on this one? Sorry to sound like such a dumb-a** but I've really been overwhelmed. I've got time coming up at the vice, so if I'm in that's way cool. I can get them tied this weekend. Thanks. Joe C.

First is was Mike Schmidt with his Smallmouth Streamer Box. Then came John Ridderbos with a flashy selection of bass and panfish poppers. This time it's my warm water dry fly box. I carry this box in late May through October when conditiions are right. Assembled primarily for smallmouth I've found bluegill, rock bass, crappie, largemouth and spots are all amenable to the selection. Take a look and let me know what you think. Fly Box Porn - Them Ole Brown Fish Would you like to feature one of YOUR fly boxes in Fly Box Porn? Email me right here [email protected] Thanks. Joe C.

The November fly of the month (It's still November, right :dunno: ) has now been posted. This is my take on the Skykomish Sunrise, tied on the new Partridge Salar double hook. I love this fly for shad and skipjack, and white bass love it too. Of course its a standby for the steelhead crowd. You'll find the video links and the instructions at Adventures in Fly Tying Enjoy! Joe C.

This is a great pattern. I carry a book of blondes ties on 1/0 and 3/0 salmon irons for big fish opporuntities. I'll be happy to play in this swap, let me know when it's back on. Joe C.

I think you need to stop and consider the conditions under which you'll be fishing. Mid November, even in Missouri, is cold. The fish will be lethargic. Crayfish will be into aestivation and, generally, unavailable. There are two techniques that I recommend, depending on the weather when you get there. Neither takes up much room and both are very flexible. 1) Float-n-Fly This is the "go to" technique for this time of the year. 1/80 to 1/8 oz jigs tied with craft fur. Try gray over white, blue over gray, and brown over white for colors. Use pencil style bobbers and put enough splitshot so the float barely stands tall, that way when a fish lifts on the jig the float will flop onto its side. You may want to do a google search for float and fly techniques. Its pretty common and VERY effective on winter smallmouth and panfish. Remember with F-n-F to vary depth. You don't necessarily want to be fishing just off the bottom. I've had plenty of days when fishing the jig 4' deep in an 8' pool was the right way to go. The fish will rise for this presentation. Also remember, minimal action. This is a dead-drift technique with occassional twitches. To get the right jigs I suggest you contact Matt Frondorf at Buckeye Baits. There is a link from Fly Fish Ohio and an article about Matt, too. 2) Buzzbait Yes, a buzzbait. When the sun is shining and the water is a bit warm try fishing a 1/16 or 1/8 oz buzzbait through the shallows. This technique is effective in Ohio right up unit December. Again, Matt makes the right size baits. You want small, well balanced offerings that kick up the right noise at a moderate retrieve. Between the two of these you WILL be able to get into fish in the water you describe. Good luck and post some pics when you get back. Joe C.