Several years ago I put fly's in a X Mas tree ornaments (bulbs). Please
note, I am not saying I ever did it again despite requests from others. It
is the same type you see in some fly shops. In the shops, some are nice,
some not. I believe Atlantic salmon flies present best. An olive scud just
doesn't carry the holiday spirit. Clear bulbs can be purchased at
Michael's. It is also nice to lay some colored stones, shells or sparkles
onto the bottom of the ornament. You will find that type of thing at
Michael's as well. Pour the stuff in before putting in the fly and stem.
Also, buy the bulbs before getting the hooks. You wan to make sure the bulb
opening will accommodate the gap of the hook. Salmon hooks in red, silver
or gold add a nice touch. The tricky part is connecting the fly to the bulb
stem. When tying the fly, tie in a 6" piece of mono when wrapping the head.
I don't remember what test I used. For best presentation, you want the mono
to have enough bend it so that it attaches vertically to the stem yet allows
the fly to hang horizontally in the center of the bulb. You may be able to
get away with tying the mono to the center of the hook shank depending on
the type of fly. There is no advantage to fluorocarbon over nylon here.
Just like tying any new fly, the first one can be a lot of work. Once you
have the system down, it becomes easier.
You can also purchase bulbs that open down the center. Depending on you time
requirements, it can make the process much easier.
Regards
Mike Santangelo
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Mix [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2000 8:36 AM
To: Washington Flyfishers (E-mail)
Subject: Christmas Ornament
So for my family's Christmas gift exchange this year we get to produce a
hand made ornament.
I was thinking about making something out of a fly. Maybe a fly in a little
shadow box. Maybe a fly attached to something.
Does anybody have experience with making something of this nature, a
Christmas ornament made out of a fly?
Thanks for any info.
Jeff Mix
