Monday, July 12, 2010

CE Crayfish - Crayfish Impression

This is my CE Crayfish (Close Enough) .  The Crayfish below was about a size 8.
When I design my flies I like to follow the K.I.S.S. rule (Keep It Simple Stupid).





Hook – Mustad 79580 or any Streamer Hook
Size – 2 - 12
Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Black
Head – Dazl-Eyes 5/32" Black
Weight – .32 non-toxic Lead wire
Body – Scintilla Pale Olive Green #3 Dubbing
Claws – Olive Marabou
Rib – .32 gauge Green Parawire or any green wire



1. Mash down barb and and create two thread humps for the dumb bell eyes.
  2. Secure your eyes with figure of eight and add your lead to hook shank.

 3. Wrap your lead forward and secure with thread.

  4. Tie in your green wire.

5. Tie in a dubbing ball at the bend.
6. Tie in a marabou tip to the far side of the hook.
7. Tie in a marabou tip to the near side of the hook.

  8. Trim off the waist.

 9. Dub in your body.

 10. Advance the wire with open turns. 

 10. Whip finish and your done. 

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Redington CPX Wader Give-A-Way at Feather-Craft Fly Fishing

Here is another give-a-way from Feather-Craft Fly Fishing.  The July give-a-way is a pair of Redington CPX Wader.  Go to http://flyfishinggiveaway.com/blog/ for info and to enter.

Good Luck.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Caddis Larva based on Bugs of the Underworld - Ice Pink Larva

This pattern owes it's inspiration to  Ralph and Lisa Cutter's DVD "Bugs of the Underworld".

Below is a photo off my TV of the Caddis Larva this pattern is based.  As you can see it is the pink abdomen, cream yellow thorax and black head, also this Caddis has white gills at the tail.

      This image is from "Bugs of the Underworld".



Hook – TMC 2457 or any heavy Grub hook
Size – 10-16
Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Black
Head – Hairline Ice Dub Olive Brown and Black Brass or Tungsten bead 
Thorax – Squirrel Blend Sulphue or any Yellow dubbing blend
Abdomen – Hairline Ice Dub UV Florescent Hot Pink
Rib – .32 gauge Amethyst Parawire or any purple wire
Shell Back – Hairline 1/8" Tan Scud Back
Gills – White CDC


 1. Mash down barb and bead and secure in wire.

  2. Tie in white CDC for Gills.

 3. Tie in Tan Scud Back.

 
  4. Dub Abdomen.

 
5. Dub Thorax.

6. Dub Head.

  7. Pull Shell Back over the top and tie-off.


  8. Advance your wire creating the rib.

 9. Secure wire and whip finish.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Forth of July in Texas on the Guadalupe River

Spent the 4th this year down in Texas and explored the Guadalupe River.  I didn't get a chance to wet a-line but I did stop in to the Gruene Outfitters to get some info on the river if I can sneak away.

The staff was very helpful and the shop was well stocked.

Gruene Outfitters.

You'll can see the keep the best flies just out of reach.

This is a good way to display flies at our next TU raffle.

If you find yourself in Gruene TX
you'll have to stop in to the Hall.

Take in a show and have a cold one.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy "Fourth of July"

I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy "Fourth of July" especially
our men and women in the armed forces.  Thank you.

 
Fourth of July fireworks display at
the Washington Monument 1986.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Emerging Caddis Pupa

I always carry a little seining net in my vest and take samples from time-to-time. Looking at the insects in the river always influence my tying. I like simple impressionistic patterns and there is no better way to do that than by first hand observation. Seining nets are easy to make some nylon screen and dowels from your local or big box hardware store. Just glue staple or sew the screen to the dowels and roll it up and put it in your vest.

Here are some shots and a video clip of a emerging Caddis pupa. You notice straight away the bright green abdomen the dark wing buds in the thorax and the light translucent head, not to mention the sparkle throughout. You can see why Lafontaine's Sparkle Pupa Emerger works so well.

Emerging Caddis Pupa

Emerging Caddis Pupa side view.



Tuesday, June 29, 2010

OttLite Rechargeable Battery Task Lamp

Like many tiers I tie sportsman shows, fly shops and outdoor events where a power outlet are nowhere in sight.  While I was in Lowe's the other day to buy some items for the home I cut through the lighting section and this OttLite caught my eye.  Standing their like a deer caught in head lights I was shocked at the price I saw for this rechargeable reading light.  I was look for a travel light some time ago and found the Battery Task Lamp from OttLite but it retailed for $129.99 US (no way was I going to pay that price).  The Reader's | HD is $34.97 US in Lowes and you've guessed I pick it up straight away.  It's a nice addition to the lighting I use at my desk, and lets face it the older you get the more light you need on your work area.

If your looking for a new portable tying light I highly recommend this one.  You can stop by your local Lowe's and pick one up or order on-line.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Less Than One Week Left on the Troutrageous Hobie Giveaway!

Less than one week left to enter Troutrageous/Hobie Polarized Sunglasses Giveaway.  It will end on Wednesday, June 30th.  The winner will be selected on July 1st.

Go to  http://troutrageous.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-free-hobie-polarized.html to enter.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Great Tenkara Site - Traditional Japanese Fly Tenkara

While doing research on traditional Japanese Fly Fishing "Tenkara" I came across a wonderful site by Yoshikazu Fujioka, Trout and Seasons of the Mountain Village.

On the site you'll find information the the history of Tenkara, his favorite streams in Japan, the U.S. and New New Zealand, and his art work acrylics and watercolors (which he is best know).

Here are a few links to his site:

Trout Streams of the Mountian Village;

My Best Streams, Japanese Fly "Tenkara";

and

Traditional Japanese Fly Tenkara.


Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tenkara - Yamame Rod arrived in the mail.

After a long day I found my new Tenkara rod, lines and hat waiting in the mail box.  I can't wait to get it out on the water.  Now what excuse to use at work?