by Tom Derr
My efforts at tying my own flies began 46 years ago although it wasn’t until 30 years ago that I met George (G.E.P.) Rowney and Maurie Wilson that, under their guidance, I was able to greatly improve a raw skill.
I will be putting up regular blogs covering fly tying, most of the fly patterns are ones that you will be familiar with however, with these I will try to incorporate a slight variation or “trade trick” which makes the fly even better. I will also be showing how to tie some of my own favourite patterns on Gamakatsu fly hooks.
So stay tuned to this site for some great freshwater and saltwater fly patterns that are guaranteed to catch you more fish.
Red Tag (dry)
Hook-Gamakatsu S10-3F size 14 to 10
Thread-Brown
Tag-Red plastic raffia or red wool
Body-Peacock herl
Hackle-Furnace cock
Start a 1/4 shank length back from the eye of the hook, this will be a continuing theme. It is very important to leave enough space for the hackle and room to build a head. Not leaving enough room is a common problem and one that is nearly always made by the novice.
Wrap several strands of peacock herl around thread. Makes for a more robust fly, even after the fishes teeth break some of the peacock herl these can be trimmed off without totally unravelling.
Whip finish (I use a pen lid)
Three coats of nail varnish gives a more lifelike appearance and is cheaper
than head cement. (also a continuing theme)
