a Turkish fisheries biologist, Atilla Ertürk with his marketing efforts…should he ask. That Oregon trout looks darn good in a Turkish Fisheries ad! 👍
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But then there is the Gauteng, South Africa trout/carp fishery (Trouthunters)…a private fishery I believe, that saw the merit of using our Oregon Trout in their ad campaign. 👍 One would think that Trouthunters had enough beautiful trout in their ponds to capture a stellar image of their own?
Call of the Stream
Fly Fishing Presentations Sub-surfaceHere is a how to piece on rigging up your own strike indicators for sub-surface presentations. Check our Call of the Stream and explore South African fly fishing.
Call of the Stream: Making Strike Indicators
I have mentioned this in important bits and pieces the last few years: there are impressive blogs and sites about fly tying and fly fishing emanating out of South Africa. The writings have a flavor of history, refinement, properness, detail that is often missing these days from fly fishing writings…to include mine. I enjoy the efforts of these authors and their gentlemanly ways. No ‘bumism’ here.
“Finally I most want this site to be a minor celebration of the poetry of fly fishing. The poetry of fly fishing means just what it says; that within it there is an underlying beauty that’s there if you want to find it and not if you don’t. It’s up to you. Those of who do find it believe it adds something valuable to the experience, even if we aren’t quite sure what that actually is.”
Tim Rolston, Peter Brigg, Andrew Fowler & Ed Herbst are but a few notable names to start your exploration of South African fly fishing/tying wisdom. Each of these fly fishers point the way to equally interesting characters in the sport. I think you will agree there is a different vibe to this region. It is thoughtful and easy on the mind. Explore!
I was perusing Tom Sutcliffe’s always informative The Spirit of Fly Fishing site and came across a pattern/technique I had not encountered before. Agostino Roncallo presents a couple terrestrial patterns that utilize this “twisted palmering” technique. It probably is a bit cumbersome at first to learn, but the outcome is a buggy specimen that seems like it would promote a big glump! Check out the how to by Roncallo at Tom’s site.
An Agostino Roncallo beetle pattern.
Last week, I was extolling the virtues of Ostrich Herl as a fly tying material. Tim Rolson, of South Africa, remarked that the Chomper was a worthy pattern, that incorporated the Ostrich Herl. Tim mentioned that the Chomper pattern was less recognized in the U.S. A little research showed that a UK fly fisher, Richard Walker, is noted with developing the pattern.
So, this morning to the vise I went. I tied two Chomper flies. Neither one was satisfying. But, both would probably catch fish. But some observations are in order from my tying effort. I will use the two pictures to elaborate.
This first effort on a size 14 nymph style hook, had the raffia back strap and the olive Ostrich Herl body. The thread was 8/0. I have never been a big fan of Raffia, especially now that synthetic materials make a more durable part and they do not necessitate the addition of some adhesive. In this instance, I selected 5 herls. I tied them in ahead of the already secured raffia at the bend. Once wound forward, I secured the herls. A rather plump body resulted. I pulled the raffia over the top and secured it. The piece of raffia was too large. The resultant thread head was too large because of the bulky raffia and 5 herls. Then I added a coating of glue over the top of the raffia. In the process, I had some end up on the ostrich. A rather sloppy, little pudge ball.
With this Chomper, I used less raffia and only 3 Osrich Herls. The fly presents a more slender, less bulky fly. The herl has room to move. But, again, I was messy in the application of the head cement over the raffia.
The point of the fly is to showcase the merits of Ostrich Herl as a lively material that attracts attention. That is a given, I believe. Beyond that I would use a different material besides raffia for the backstrap. Any of the newer, synthetic materials used for Czech Nymphs and Scuds would suffice. I intend to tie up a dozen more in olive and in black and substitute for the raffia synthetic or feather fibers even with no lacquer). Sizes 14 will work and I may opt for 14/0 thread in olive as well. Thanks Tim for the suggestion re the Chomper. Photo’s a bit blurry. Oops!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Every Day in May Writing Challenge. One unfortunate point to it is perhaps there should have been a central check in point to register all the participants. Perhaps there was and I wasn’t aware. Next time perhaps….a running list of participants?
I know I was not aware that Tim Rolston at the Fishing Gene was participating and with wonderful graphics and crisp writing. Here, as we draw near the conclusion, I notice Tim has been putting out a great effort. Of course, he always does under normal circumstances.
Anyway, drop by The Fishing Gene from PARACADDIS. Sorry I was oblivious Tim.
