Morning, I may take a shot at this seeing all the discussion.
I learned, ( Read Learning) wings on my wet flies, ( even my dries were
wet). I have practiced post wings, hackle wings and duck wings. Now that
some folks on the list sent me some hackles suitable or dries, ( Thank you
very much), I am working on improving my dry flies. Some patterns call for
no wings and others do. When it calls for a wing I do my best to represent
the creature with the material at hand. Having seen the "Artwork" of other
tiers on the list with their extended bodies and perfect wings I have a
standard to shoot for.
Now as to size, I start with a #12 and when I can tie that well enough
to have several come out of the vice the same I move down in size. Right now
I am working on a pattern in #16 and they look good, ( still a long way from
22's or 24's.
Having the opportunity to actually "See" and hold a dark chocolate
mayfly last weekend I am trying to reproduce it in an imitation. As a
standard dry goes I am have marginal success. With the information from Dr.
Doug and some examples I have on hand I hope to tie one with an extended
body. Of which without wings it would not look right.
I believe that water also determines the importance of wings. Still calm
water, wings a plus, turbid fast water wings may not be that important,
depends.
As a "Dry Fly" aficionado, I am not, I am learning. For me I tie for the
fish, but want as real as I can do for my personal satisfaction. Also, when
I send or show a pattern to someone on the list or in person I want an
"Honest" critique of it. If it is an heirloom pattern or standard, this is
easy. If it is a local or self created it is mainly a judgment of
proportions and material.
Boy, did I make a simple question complex !! As to wings, I like them,
when they look good I am more confident.
Dry fly learners permit # 100254,
Jimi
Bob,
Please do not read this comment as personally directed to you, I
mean it as a question to the full list. I just used your email as a
starting point.
(Fair warning: I like robust, frank and open discussions where I
sometimes will adopt a polarized stance. Sometimes this stance
mirrors my own view, other times quite the opposite. Not giving away
just yet which of the two it is this time<VBG>)
Ok, here is premise of the day:
***
Tiers who play down the importance of wings on smaller size flies
are generally the same tiers who struggle with incorporating wings
on small size flies. The argument of "the fish don't care" is a cop-out.
***
I am sure we can conduct this discussion in a mature, non-
inflammatory manner, right? The aim is for all of us to walk away
with a better understanding of tying techniques, and relative
importances.
Do we tie for fish only? Tie for self satisfaction? Tie to impress
others? Any or all of these?
Cheers,
Hans
wearing flame-proof armor
