Drowning by Catalyst
“There are a number of fishermen out there, myself included, that need a reminder now and then, that waders were invented to keep water out, not necessarily to increase the depth that waders could wade.” Bish & Fish
Just a matter of time. Resist the temptation to match the fool, even if it pays off for him.
SwittersB's New Tattoo
Well, the imbalance is corrected. I resisted the gradual insertion into my psyche that one tattoo on a particular side creates a sense of imbalance. I did not rush to do just anything. My original intent was to wait until something really made sense. Nothing did. I flirted with a female form, curvaceous, but also nymphal in form (no, actually like a nymph)…something I had seen on the back of a fly fishing book years ago. But, that evaporated in time. Gradually, a simpler concept and commitment emerged in my mind, my imagination and finally my heart.
First, I envisioned a our family motto of Semper Paratus (yes, the Coast Guard’s as well) for the Always Prepared~Ready. That is how I was raised and evolved through a long public service career….seems natural, relaxed and right. Always Prepared. Also, a spiritual progression of the Triquetra. My original Father, Son, Holy Ghost…but to me a force of right, of power, of spiritual balance. I saw the Triquetra as ancient, forever, carved in stone, worn but not broken.
This force, to me, reaches beyond the individual and down toward its’ Ops Manager, Mother Nature. A force to guide, maintain, protect the species…and as you can see, the trout (pick your fish). To hold it erect, to over see it. The hands reversed to suggest, not cradling the fish or lifting out to display, but rather to show the placing of the fish into its’ rightful place in this world, my mind, my passion. I know, a whole lot of interpretation going on; I am not that imaginative….but, it resonated, it lasted. It was stenciled on and the ink was applied.
Simple, self satisfying and the balance thing resolved. Family, spiritual, the stewardship of nature and mi amor. (Tat Work Courtesy of Joe Bass, 1928 Tattoo, Portland, Oregon)
Simon Graham of Pike Fly Fishing is more frugal. That’s what happens when you move from SA to Finland: Tight Arse Top Tips
The Goat by SwittersB
The Goat is a stillwater pattern I designed as a dragon fly nymph. The fly was tied on a size 8 hook. It is offered here as a lead in for the dubbed body. The UKFlyDressing site (ScotFly) offers up an excellent summary of all things dubbing. I also highlighted this same excellent dubbing link for the Casual Dress pattern.
The hook drawing above, for the beginner, is important should you take up fly tying. Otherwise, there are 3 important things to remember for the non-fly tyer: One…the eye is where you tie in the tippet so you can get busy fishing. Two, the barb is what you should crimp down prior to fishing, and Three the point is what will be easier to remove from your flesh or pricey new rain coat if you remember Two. If you do start tying, you will pay attention to all the parts of the hook as they relate to each fly pattern or recipe. (That’s OK, I have a pricey, new raincoat too. My original one gave up the ghost after 18 years)
http://www.flymenfishingcompany.com/dealers.html
Gurgler by Lee Haskins (Jack Gartside Pattern)
Tying Instructions for Gurgler
My personal Gartside favorite was the Sparrow, the kind of suggestive pattern that breathes life into the water. (Singlebarbed)
I did not recently tie these flies. They are part of a batch tied several years ago. I have always thought this Rosborough fly pattern to be his best creation. I have rarely deviated from the gray body, although you so easily could. I have used different body materials besides the called for Muskrat fur (and guard hairs). This is a good example of a ‘classic’ pattern (at least in the Western U.S.) that has evolved away from natural furs to synthetic components. The tail and dubbed/strung collar are the 
guard hairs from a patch of Muskrat fur. Today, I would opt for the simpler brown hackle barbs of a hen feather for the tail and the collar. The body has been tied with the underfur dubbing of the Muskrat…even today one nice dubbing material. But, again, synthetics are available too..and, I have even used cat (Kudra the Cat) fur with good results, although it does not seem to have the density for larger flies. The very appealing Ostrich Herl at the thorax is a favorite of mine for a wound body (abdomen-gills or thorax-legs) as well as extended tails (The Orb). Research Polly Rosborough or better yet buy his simple little book Fuzzy Nymphs. Don’t discount the information as too simplistic or too old because of the older techniques shown. This Central Oregon legend was a bug stalker. He set the tone for the more sophisticated Rick Hafele and Dave Hughes. (The Complete Book of Western Hatches).
Thread: 6/0 to 8/0 black or red (if weighted shank)
Hook: Size 10-14 (2-3 xl), nymph hook
Tail: Muskrat fur guard hairs or brown hackle barbules
Abdomen: Dubbed Gray Muskrat or alternative synthetic dubbing
Thorax Collar: Muskrat Fur Guard hairs or brown hackle barbs inserted into dubbing loop and wound
Thorax between eye and collar: Black Ostrich Herl
Boulder R. (Montana)
Fishing Buddies (Sweet Bill)
When fishing the creeks and rivers of Montana, I was accompanied many times by my friends. Bill was a great fishing buddy. I never had to worry about him being late to leave, and I never had to worry about what I brought along to eat, he had a cast iron stomach!
He didn’t fish however! He would once in a great while go into the creek, but only to get his feet wet. He couldn’t stand it when I would get rambunctious and try to throw him all the way in…he was always too strong anyway.
The solitude of creek walking was never disturbed. He would carefully and quietly walk the bank behind me and sit somewhere out of the way, ready to jump up and come to my rescue should danger come upon me. He was well aware of my dislike of snakes, and if I jumped, so did he. He didn’t like them either!
We appreciated his company! He liked my singing voice, and I would sing songs all the way up the highway or dirt road, and he never seemed to tire of them. He even liked me playing the banjo.
The first time I met him, he seemed to fill up the entire vehicle! What with the gear and the small truck, it was always a snug fit for us. I once asked him to ride in the back and he complained so much, I had to squeeze him in the front with us… he half sitting on my lap!
I was tying last night, and the thought of him came back so strongly! I recall I was tying with my dad, when Bill came along. He wound up with tying thread and materials all over him! Seems he could not resist the urge to chase the cat right up under the tying bench, turning it topsy turvy, if not over.
Yes, Bill was my 145 lb. German Shepherd who walked every creek in Montana with me for almost 12 years… but you know (next to Kelly) he was the best fishing buddy anyone could ask for. Bill died lying in a sunny spot along the banks of the Boulder River on a late Fall day, at the age of 14. I sure miss him!
Creekwalker
(I grew up with Shepherd’s as a boy and have fond recollections of these loyal, protective mates. Thank you for sharing that piece Creek. Many of us can relate to the loyal, patient friend on four legs, as well as the loss.)
