The long legs of a hopper and the split tails of a mayfly Rene
Wes Wada wrote:
Hi Allan,
Your comment brings to mind one of my favorite topics: what do people really feel are legitimate 'triggers' that when built into a fly might prompt a fish to strike even if they are not that hungry? Talking strictly of qualities built into the tye of the fly, not fishing techniques.
some might be: - mobility of materials used: the more wiggle, the more life - sparkle (Antron, flash materials) - translucency (seal, polar bear, some synthetics) - eyes (on everything from damsel nymphs to caddises to baitfish) - specific colors or materials (bronzed peacock) - specific color combinations (olive, brown and white) - mottled colors (partridge, grouse, turkey, variegated chenilles) - balance of fly (jig action) - impressionism vs. realism - general versus specific - realistic 'footprint' on the water - specific floating qualities (foam) - cripples (stuck shuck insects, helpless prey) - sonic signatures
Those are some I have read about, some I believe in strongly. Can anyone offer other triggers that you believe are effective and not just gimmicks?
Wes Wada Bend, Oregon
Wes wrote:
I would like to collect your suggestions on how to tie reddish gills onto a streamer/baitfish pattern.
Allan replied:
Of course, it all depends on whether you're tying for the fish (Red nail polish) or for the other fly tyers (difficult weavings/dubbings/yarn/phentex/exotic red stuff/etc.)
Personally, I think Sally Hansen's "Hard as nails" or whatever it's called makes a perfect addition to a fly.
