Fly Tying: Bead~Hook Comparison Charts for the PP

BEAD to HOOK Matching

Bead to Hook Chart

A review with past posts re what size bead is most often best suited to what size of hook…variations ok.

Fly Tying: ‘Bzzzz’ & A Photo Question?

The fly is tied on a size 18, curved shanked hook. A typical mistake, as I so fortuitously provide here, is compressing too much material near the head. This results in an over developed head (fat head) at the end. ‘Less is more” (better) with many fly patterns and especially so with small flies.

Now a photography question: The back drop for this shot was bright white. The lighting was and OTT light directly over the fly less than 2″ away. On either side are two small halogen lamps also about two inches away. The Canon Xti with a 100mm Canon Macro is set on AV f22.  I seem to always get a quite dark shot with the back drop actually darker than depicted here. I tweaked it with Photoscape. I am not that accomplished with the photo lingo but any advice much appreciated to achieve better lighting.

Fly Tying: Rainbow Beads

These rainbow metal beads give a variable color as the fly swings or tumbles. Assuming the fly is high enough in the water column for the various colors on the bead’s spectrum to show with available light, I like the possibilities…

Same bead from different angles yields different color casts to the flies. There are several different sources for the metal beads.

Charlie Goofball Sheen NOT! Dead (for now)

Viral Hoax

Fly Tying: Emerger~Wet

Just my ongoing kick with CDC and Starling to create a wet fly sort of pattern. I say that because some will take exception to the overly dressed, complicated creation as not in line with the simple silk/floss body and two turns of sparse grey hackle. Buzzer sound here….  To each their own. It must be quite apparent, I am not a traditionalist, even though I do know and respect the origins of certain patterns. I am more in tune with the last times on the water and what worked and presented well.

NW Fly Tying Expo 2011 Albany, Oregon (Observations)

I went yesterday, and I wish I could attend today as well. But, alas, not to be. My humble assessment of the show is that it was well managed and well attended. The usual tiers captured observers several deep and there was much to be gained. I have to say, this year, I slowed down and sat down. I know that is the intent. In years past, I spent more time visiting with acquaintances I ran into and buying stuff than sitting and gaining the available knowledge.

This year, I learned several ideas and walked away the better for it. Special thanks to Marlon Rampy, Skip Lynch (and his secret box), Jessica Sall, Ron Eagle Elk, Jim Ferguson, Robert Paxton and Carl Sanders to name but a few that provided their unique take on how to tie flies. I also noticed most tiers readily gave away their trout fly creations, unlike years past.

Speaking of buying stuff…there were assorted vendors there. I bought some of the discounted materials for sure, and visited every booth, but the two booths that capture my attention are Steve Korbay @ Fly Tying Specialties and a combo team out of Medford with Mike Barnum & Dan Kellogg. They combine their efforts at Tyers Tool Shop.

Steve Korbay of Fly Tying Specialties (SwittersB)

Steve Korbay, the owner of Fly Tying Specialties has positively unique materials focused around the Czech Nymph concept, but transferable to all manner of nymph/pupa patterns. Unique, exciting products for the tier. I seriously bust the allowance visiting Steve’s booth. Check them out on line if you can’t meet them at a show. I believe Steve is headed to Idaho Falls next.

I also stopped by Mike Barnum’s table of unique tying tools hand crafted by Mike. Last year, I did the same. I took pictures to highlight the emerging business and got home only to realize I had neglected to put the card in the camera! This year, I was determined to redeem myself. I think Mike thought I was a bit obsessive in my intent to capture a shot this time.

Mike Barnum (Barnum’s Machine Shop, 1684 Spring Street, Medford, Oregon 1-541-772-5315) has created some nifty little tools. They are unique in design, hand crafted and nice. Expensive? Well, comparatively I spose. But, you are buying these tools as a special treat, as I did. Mike makes nice tools and his vise is amazing.

Mike’s partner, of sorts, Dan Kellogg of the Tyers Tool Shop, also creates a fine collection of tying accessories that are well designed and worth a try.  Great show, great time, great company!