Classic Pattern

[chugbug27 0]

So, inspired by the potential for joining @Sandan under the fine tutelage of this forum, I took a look at Ron Lucas' site... The materials list is just, well, absolutely gut wrenching. I've got a bunch of various things, but ... well.... I'll just have to jump in regardless and see how this goes.  Hopefully some others will join in as well. Can we call this ad hoc tying group, "Cyanide and Seltzer"?

[Sandan 0]

A partner in crime is just the thing, chugbug27. I just dropped 35$ at the shop this morning on new materials. Darn addiction. Speaking of names, my buddy and I were thinking about a TV show that the two of us Jewish guys would host. We're going to call it, Kvetch and Release. The tying segment we're calling Mensch at the Bench 😁(translations of the Yiddish, just ask)  Cyanide and Seltzer works for me

[chugbug27 0]

love it

[chugbug27 0]

Hey @Sandan or @SalarMan, on the Ronn Lucas Sr website, his Rusty Rat tutorial mentions a "Tying the Tag" tutorial, which does not appear to be there... or anywhere. Any idea where that might be? I see his tapering tutorial, but even in there he refers to his tag tying tutorial...

[flytire 0]

maybe he just meant this tutorial

http://ronnlucassr.com/tutorials/tapering-tags-and-bodies/

 

 

 

 

[chugbug27 0]

🙄

[chugbug27 0]

Nope. Found it.

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/tag.php

But thanks @flytire, much appreciated

[chugbug27 0]

Cyanide & Seltzer... 

Rusty Rat from Ronn Lucas Sr.'s website. http://ronnlucassr.com/tutorials/the-rusty-rat/

I subbed in badger guard hairs instead of gray fox guard hairs. I also subbed in orange UNI-Floss for orange-yellow (rust). Just based on what I had available.

Constructive criticism appreciated. 

[Sandan 0]

Very nice, chugbug27.  good find.

[Moshup 0]

Yes very nice chugbug27 !

[chugbug27 0]

✌️

[Sandan 0]

Not a classic, but I was working on the body hackle, a wing with cheeks and two body sections. I wasn't particularly happy with either the wings or the proportions. In the spirit of showing those "first" flies here it is. Comments, tips, anything are welcome. 

 

[Sandan 0]

One skill at a time. 

 

[SalarMan 0]

You asked for comments/critique...so here goes.

The first fly is just a mish-mash of too many things attempted. Your heart was in the right place but a mix of so any style differences and materials that don't work together makes for something that doesn't help you and your desire to tie classic salmon (??) flies.

The second post of the wings is well done. Those wings would be ideal on what is known as a "Dee Fly", named after a style that was developed on the River Dee in Scotland.

I learned a long time ago, these flies required patience and practice to get right. Learn to tie them one step at a time starting by doing things in the order they would be done when tying a specific pattern. Tie in the tip and tag. If it isn't right, take it out and do it again until you are satisfied. Then the tail is next, followed by a tail-veil if required. Once more, just do it over and over until you are satisfied. Continue on this way through the fly pattern of choice. If you can tie a wet fly you can tie the classics...they just have more parts and therefore require more planning. The same thinking applies to classic New England style streamers.

Example...the fly in the vise at the moment FINALLY has a wing I'm happy with...after 6 attempts. Sometime the fingers and brain don't work together

As I have said many times...learning to tie classic salmon flies is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the process and the journey.

[Sandan 0]

2 hours ago, SalarMan said:

You asked for comments/critique...so here goes.

The first fly is just a mish-mash of too many things attempted. Your heart was in the right place but a mix of so any style differences and materials that don't work together makes for something that doesn't help you and your desire to tie classic salmon (??) flies.

Agreed, I didn't like it and should have redone the parts, kept it simpler.  I was doing way too much.  

The second post of the wings is well done. Those wings would be ideal on what is known as a "Dee Fly", named after a style that was developed on the River Dee in Scotland.

I learned a long time ago, these flies required patience and practice to get right. Learn to tie them one step at a time starting by doing things in the order they would be done when tying a specific pattern. Tie in the tip and tag. If it isn't right, take it out and do it again until you are satisfied. Then the tail is next, followed by a tail-veil if required. Once more, just do it over and over until you are satisfied. Continue on this way through the fly pattern of choice. If you can tie a wet fly you can tie the classics...they just have more parts and therefore require more planning. The same thinking applies to classic New England style streamers.

Example...the fly in the vise at the moment FINALLY has a wing I'm happy with...after 6 attempts. Sometime the fingers and brain don't work together

Thank you. Practice and patience for sure. I think it took me about 6 or 7, at least, attempts until I was happy with how the wings married and then it took a few tries to set them "just right".  Not to make an excuse, though it sounds like one,  I think I'm too eager to get the various techniques together and on a hook.   When I tie trout flies, I take it slow and easy and if I'm not satisfied either untie or take the razor blade to 'em.  Your critique re-drives that point home.  

As I have said many times...learning to tie classic salmon flies is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the process and the journey.

I am enjoying both the process and the journey.  I appreciate all that you've said SalaMan and will incorporate your comments/critique in both the thought and tying processes.