I figure I've caught about 75% of my trout over the last several years on flies smaller than size 20. It's just what the local streams dictate. There are mayfly hatches and I see some decent caddis hatches but the predominant insects are midges. In fact, today I was tying some 22's and 24's hoping I'll get out for bit tomorrow. The one trick is I use a 2xs short hook, so I was actually tying 26's and 28's. I need my cheap reading glasses and a hat mounted magnifier to do it, and my short, stubby fingers get in the way. What I do is vary my tying. Since I'll be fishing mainly for trout from now through mid-May. I'll be tying small flies, 14 and smaller for the next couple of months. Once I get my midge and caddis box stock up, I switch over to warm water stuff, which will get me up to hooks as large as 3/0. The late in the summer I'll start tying for salt water and the will take me up to hooks as large as 12/0. I enjoy tying all sizes. It's good to get back to tying small flies and proving to myself that I can still do it. Jerry C "All things considered, I'd rather be in Philadelphia."
In a message dated 12/9/2006 9:43:29 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Has anyone ever contracted "Small Fly Syndrome" on the list? If not I think I have a new disease. It seams that even though 80% of the fish caught on flies around here are caught on #6 to #12. However, I have almost depleted all of my hooks from #12 down. It seams that I am more or less "Obsessed" with tying, and getting better at tying small flies. Even though I need to fill some boxes with #8 to #12 nymphs and wets I will tie one or 2 of a pattern then gradually start working the same pattern down to as small as I can, or as small as I have hooks for. I am not sure why I am doing this, but, it is good practice and forces me to pay attention to details and work my hand more. I think I am just going to have to hide all my small hooks until I can build up the larger flies I need. Has anyone else ever found themselves doing this? Is it terminal?? Just curious. Jimi
