>From Gary Lafontaine to Don I have heard of gas bubbles. While I have no reason to debate any of you, what causes the gas? The caddis emerge from the various cases they form but I have never seen a gas bubble. Just to stir the pot a bit, why do we add crystal flash and other sparkley stuff? I think that small baitfish are imitated rather than flys. What does the list say?Hi Murf,
Okay, I'll have a go at it:
1. Gas bubble used by caddisflies on their ascent to the surface to hatch. Gary's reasoning for using the antron yarn (and it's specific properties) on his Deep and Emergent Sparkle Pupas. http://www.virtualflybox.com/f0200/f0223.html
2. Gas bubble formed by the egg-laying caddis (plastron respiration, I believe it's called) for the descent through the water column on its mission. Gary's reasoning for using a splash of clear antron on top of the wing for his Diving Caddis: http://www.virtualflybox.com/f0200/f0229.html
3. Bubble or "aura" formed by the hatching mayfly as it cracks the wingcase
(releasing gases) and begins emergence in the meniscus. Relevant
patterns: the Halo mayfly Emerger. http://www.virtualflybox.com/f0200/f0226.html
or my Bubble Boy: http://community.webshots.com/photo/54583647/57679249GXGxOb
4. One application for which I use Krystal Flash is to simulate movement
- the fluttering of wings, for example:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/54583647/54583908FpujQL
Another application is for the wings on spent spinners, perhaps mixed with another material so as not to over-do the effect.
So really, Krystal Flash and other assorted sparkley stuff - they're not just for minnows anymore. ;-)
Happy Holidays!
Monte
