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A
good fly tier makes it look so easy, that you rest assured that after his instruction you can duplicate his work to a
tee. This was the way I felt after meeting my friend Steve Farrar for
the first time. He not only introduced me to an entirely new synthetic
material, but also to a simple and realistic pattern that he had
developed.. This pattern had all of the qualities we look for in flies. It
was easy to tie, realistic, durable,
non fouling, and the fish like it! Being a large sized fly, it is
important that it be easily cast. The synthetic blend used to create this
fly sheds all of the water it holds on the first back cast, making this my
first choice when I am looking to imitate a peanut bunker.
“The
Blend” of materials that is used in this fly has a universal appeal to
me, as a fly tier. It eliminates the step of adding flash in the fly
pattern. It also adds flash and varied color at an even rate, so there are
no areas of flash, then voids of less. Much like a painter can blend blue
and yellow to make green, the tier can now add several strands of yellow
to his blue and get exactly the effect his critical eye is looking
for. This is the technique used to make such subtle color variances with
this material. Permanent markers can also be used on this, so if you would
rather tie this fly in white and add color with a marker, this material
will work very well for you. The simple detail of adding a few small “bunker
dots” to this fly completes the illusion of realism.
The
hook used to tie this large fly is important. It must have enough weight
to keep it keeled correctly in the water. The effect that current will
have on this fly will be like wind in a sail. To little keel, and it will
not be upright on the retrieve. A Varivas 990S or Mustad C68S SS Tarpon
hook lend themselves well to this pattern in sizes up to 5/0 for the
larger versions. The use of ultra fine monofilament thread is also very
important to this tie, as all of the wraps will be sandwiched between two
eyes near the completion. No need to add head cement at each step, either.
Injecting PlastiDip between the eyes takes the place of multi step gluing,
as well as adhering the eyes in place. All this, while not adding excess
weight to the flies nose.
Unique materials are
everywhere, and sometimes go together to make something truly special.
This fly features a unique fly tying material tied in a modified Hi Tie
fashion., as well as a different glue
than we are used to seeing on tying benches. Materials useful in
fly tying are everywhere, you simply need to choose to see them and
experiment with your new materials.
Innovative,
imaginative, and fun to tie, this fly introduced a new thought process to
my tying.
A
basic thinking to tie a pattern that will perform a job I am creating it
to do. A constant thought of
“how can I make this fly catch more fish”.
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NOTE:
Picture of peanuts in the sand was taken at Cape Cod.. Placed in the sand
next to a birds footprint, seemed to make a nice photo in nature.
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Making
“The Blend”
The
Blend is a term used to describe the useful method of premixing synthetic
hair with flash. The standard blend is a mix of one pack of Slinky Fiber,
blended with three packs of Angel Hair, but it can be varied to your
liking .
The
blending is a bit time consuming, but once you have your colors blended,
they will last a very, very long time. Start by cutting the bent end of
the Slinky Fiber off, making the Slinky Fiber the same length as the Angel
Hair.( I use an old baking dish for this step) Spread a very thin layer of
Slinky Fiber along the edge of the pan, keeping the hairs facing in one
direction. Pull a few strands of Angel hair at a time and add a thin layer
again, keeping the hairs aligned with the edge of the pan.
Repeat with thin layers until all the material is used. Roll the
material together and pull thin amounts out and place in your pan in a
pile. Repeat this final blending procedure about three times or until you
are satisfied with it’s uniformity. Roll tightly in a piece of paper and
insert in a plastic bag for storage. Common blend colors include: White
Slinky Fiber blended with pearl gold, pearl green, pearl blue, or polar
ice Angel Hair, Violet and purple, Chartreuse and fluorescent yellow, pink
and fluorescent pink, olive an brown olive |
