Fly Tying

rabbi2 · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject:

Cheers MJB.

gazza76 · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject:

The problem i find with fly tying is catching the little gits first devil

MJB · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject:

OK, as promised a basic 'flash fly' using the fold & wrap technique, which creates a more durable lure.

Step1: Lay a base of thread along the hook shank, working from eye to bend.

Step 2: Take half the quantity (5 or 6 strands is enough), but double the length of tail you need and tie in with 3 or 4 turns of thread at the bend, roughly in the middle of the tinsel.

Step 3: Fold back the front portion of tinesl and secure with 3 or 4 wraps.

Step 4: Wind the thread along the shank a little and repeat step 2 & 3 with more tinsel (I've used different colours to show the layers). Make sure all the tinsel remains on top of the shank.

Step 5: Repeat steps 2 & 3, advancing the thread along the shank each time until there is just room left to make a tidy head. Whip finish and apply varnish to the head and along the underisde of the shank. Trim fly to length.

When wet this will take on a fishy profile, but my camera battery died before I could get the shot. Just remember to keep the number of turns of thread to a minimum.

rabbi2 · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks MJB I will practise what you have shown me and I'll get back to you. Keith

rabbi2 · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:04 am Post subject: Second attempt

MJB · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject:

O.K., change of materials. The proportions are much better this time, but we need to make better use of the hook shank. I think it may be easier if you give me a list of the materials and size and style of hooks you have and I'll come up with a step-by-step for you to follow.

rabbi2 · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject:

The materials are as follows:
Cock hackles red,
Hen green,
Marabou white,
Cock hackles white,
Cock cree,
Maraflash gold,
Maraflash Red-Scarlet,
Pink firefly,
Cock hacles brown,
Cock hackles deep green,
Fritz lime,
Fritz orange,
Twine in gold, green-metalic, brown and black and white.
Red Varnish
Varnish thinners
Hook sizes from 1/0 to 12/0 in both long and short shank including offset hooks.

If I havent got the right stuff then please list what is required and I'll go to my local supplier and get it.
Thanks for taking time out to help. keith

MJB · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject:

Rabbi,

Looking at the stuff you already have one pattern that stands out is a 'Cats Whisker', but in salty size. I can't do a photo because my camera is up the spout. Basically it's a white marabou tail, wrap the shank with lime fritz and a white marabou wing. A google search will turn up a heap of photos. Get some smaller hooks. Most of my tying is on size 2 or 4, occasionally 6. O'Shaunessy's like the Mustad 34007 are ideal.

No saltwater flytying kit is complete without bucktail. Get a white and a chartreuse one. Add these to your white cock hackles, a bit of flash and some dumbell eyes and you have all you need to tie Clouser Minnows, Brooks Blondes, Deceivers, Bucktail Deceivers, Half n Halfs, Hi-Ties, Hollow Fleyes. You should find tying instructions on the links I posted earlier in the thread.

rabbi2 · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

Thanks for taking time out Ill certainly practice and check on all the flies that you have told me on the links you posted. Not many people would go to so much trouble, Once again thanks. Keith

Jonno · Member Joined: May 31, 2006 Posts: 9

First principles

Start at the eye and whip down the whole shank of the hook – this prevents everything slipping. Whip in the tail and any material for the body – work forward to the head.

Charity shops and car boot sales yield a wealth of material for fancy flies… so does the wife’s wardrobe.
suprise