Curtis Bias
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Like Zach,I use a zip-lock freezer bag. Pour in water and freeze it in a solid block. I don’t eat trout, but I do eat bass, white perch, and bream (bluegill).
My brother and father had some fish flash frozen in Alaska and carried it on an airplane in their luggage on a flight from Anchorage, ALaska to Texas. One of the shipping companies in Anchorage froze the fish for them and told them that the fish would be fine over the course of the trip and might even stay frozen for days if stored properly. My brother opened his suitcase 26 hours after the flight because he forgot to unpack his fish when he came home. It was still as hard as a rock. Over 300 pounds of halibut was in two suitcases. – I think it is funny that they decided that they could do without some clothing and threw things away to make room for the fish. Priorities. I assume that you can always buy new clothes, but you can’t buy over 300 pounds of halibut in Texas very easily.
I used to use wire, or old guitar strings, or salt water wire leader material.
Now, I am using #20 power pro spectra fishing line for freshwater applications. I also have spectra in weights up to #150 in very small diameters. I haven’t tied any flies with the larger stuff, but I do have it just in case. – I find that the spectra fiber is much more fluid than the wire I once used for articulated flies. The spectra holds just fine and has really held up to abrasion quite well. – I have used all kinds of spectra line for the flies. Everything from backing, to spectra fishing line, to spectra 2000 kite line. It is all good stuff.
The #20 spectra fishing line that I am using the most for freshwater applications will outlast the tippet I am using for sure.
When attaching the power pro (spectra) line to my hooks, I double the line and run the spectra through the eye of the trailing hook. I pull the tag ends through the u bend in the line near the eye of the hook and pull tight. This creates a larks head knot. I run the two tag ends along the shank of the front hook and wrap them with thread up toward the hook eye. Once I get close to the eye, I turn the thread back toward the rear of the hook and begin wrapping the spectra with fly tying thread toward the rear of the hook. I think this helps hold things in place very well. So far I have had no failures of the spectra line.-
I hope this helps you out.
I built a vise base out of an aluminum that was a scrap piece off of an old planer in a wood shop. The owner was throwing it out. – I just used a tap and die set to make way for a set screw, drilled a hole the diameter of the vise riser shaft, and installed the set screw to hold things in place. It works quite well. You could do something similar if you like. A piece of thick metal stock should work for you. I don’t know that it is worth the cost to purchase parts considering the fact that you can purchase the base for around $17. Of course, I like having unique things. If that is your goal, you should continue to work with the corian to build your base.
I’m just glad that I can finally buy some hackle from my local fly shop again.
Mr. Whiting could have really cashed in if he decided to raise his prices. He didn’t do that. I really don’t see why anyone would hold that against him or his company. It was the fly shop and hair salons that raised the prices on the hackle due to demand. It is their right to set prices as they see fit. If I don’t like it because a fly shop increased prices and gouged customers I simply choose to stop shopping there.
Hi Jim- I have not sold the set. I appologize for not browsing through the classifieds more often. I had given up on selling the set. It is, however,
I have read some very good reviews of the Sevier Tiger Eye blanks. They aren’t expensive blanks at all.
I just don’t think you can go wrong by picking up an old inexpensive rod and refurbishing the thing.
I’ve reworked two of the 5/6 wt Scientific Anglers starter rods that I bought for 20 bucks a piece. They aren’t half bad in my honest opinion.
I was also given 2 bamboo fly rods recently. Working with the cheapo graphite rods allowed me to get enough experience under my belt that I felt comfortable wrapping my guides with silk and sinking some money into some quality hardware.
Thank goodness the rods seem to look better each time I build a rod.
The food looks great!
I thought it was the latest top secret fly from the bench of Kelly Galloup….the tongue depressor. 😮 Never in my life would I have thought that anyone would hook something so foul. Brings an entirely new meaning to the term foul hooked doesn’t it?
I like the sort of cap you might come across in some Mom and Pop fly shop near whatever stretch of water I am visiting. Every now and then I come across one I have to buy. They remind me of good times out on the water, good friends, and beautiful places. I tend to collect fly fishing themed baseball caps. My favorites end up covered in slime, funk, and salty sweat deposits or faded out by the sun.- The really funky ones are the best.
I’ll second the foam tool caddy. Any flat surface near the vise is a perfect place to drop materials during the tying process. Its easier to clean up right after I tie a few dozen flies before I switch to a different pattern.
For travel- I bought a nylon worm bag from a local big name fishing store for 5 bucks. Looks just like my buddies expensive brand name fly fishing travel bag. The only difference is that mine has ziploc bag compartments on the inside while his has a nice padded divider and thread holders. I’ll keep the 60 bucks I saved and put the money toward tying materials. Did I mention that his has a fancy little tag that makes his more expensive?
I purchased a wood machinists tool box from Harbor Freight for 70 bucks. It looks nice. I can keep a lot of goodies in the chest. I don’t travel with it. Oddly enough, I tie most out of the little travel kit I was talking about earlier. I just keep the basics in the bag. The tool box is for special or expensive tying materials. Luckily storage hasn’t been a real problem for me. As long as my wife doesn’t look in the tying room we both stay happy. Of course, If I do decide to clean up the table, I never remember where I put anything.
Yeah- Justin’s photos make me want to take a long trip. Come to think of it, there are a few board members here that really make me want to visit new places.
Justin- Dave’s expression in that photo is just priceless. That is a big grin.
Nice story Marty- You are lucky to find such a good buddy for your adventures.
I guess that means Louisiana isn’t southern. I’ll tell everyone else in the state for you.
I like the new SCOTF magazine. I’m looking forward to future issues. More fly fishing and grit eating will surely be in the next issue.
Belize is a very fun place to spend your time. The Belikin is one of my favorite brews in the world. I have vowed to go back there one day and spend some more time wandering in the jungles there as well as fishing on the fly. Thanks for the TR. Looks like a really good time. Hopefully your gal will be spending more time with you on the water.
A- has lighting that looks far more natural to me. B looks a bit washed out due to the flash.
As far as composition is concerned, they appear very similar.I buy the flexible, double sided razor blades at the local dollar store for…..you guessed it……a dollar a pack. 2 blades in the box.
Spotted a confluence on another forum for 75 bucks. Looks similar to the gear bag you are eye-balling.
RS2 is hot on the Lower Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma for sure. Its like candy to the fish there. Thanks to Rim Chung’s website, I tie a lot of them.
