Biots

For some really useful information about biots and tying with them go to [url=http://www.invictaflies.us/:8b092]http://www.invictaflies.us/[/url:8b092] and look under "Articles" for "All About Biots". This is information I have never seen any where else.

bluehackle,

Interesting article. For more information on biots, go to Harry Mason's website (troutflies.com). [url=http://www.troutflies.com/tutorials/biot/index.shtml:26556]http://www.troutflies.com/tutorials/biot/index.shtml[/url:26556]

Tyronefly

That's even better information. Thanks much. This is the kind of detail that beginners like me need but rarely get.

The left or right wing biot reference in the first web side listed is one of those old materials myths. It doesn't matter which wing the biot comes from. Just be sure to either face the notch forward or to the rear. All biots have a notch. Use Harry's information and you can't go wrong.

A. K.

bluehackle,

Harry does a great job detailing the steps. Checkout his tutorials. Also, be sure to checkout the fly tying section here at FAOL. The late Al Campbell did an excellent series on fly tying. If you want to try your hand a Salmon Flies, check out Ronn Lucas series as well.

TyroneFly

I agree that the fly tying section by Al Campbell is great and I refer to it often but like most tutorials it assumes that you know how to do certain basic things. For example, when tying on the hackle do you put the quill on top of the hook, on the bottom, at the side, shoud it run parallel to the hook shank or at an angle to it, etc? The extra detail shown in Harry Mason's instruction can be a lifesaver to a beginner. It gets even more confusing when it must be done differently on different flies but the instructor doesn't warn you. I am not trying to be critical of anyone but rather to say how much I appreciate the extra help when it is there.

bluehackle,

I hear you. When I first started out flytying I found it difficult trying to figure out the same things you are going through now. Another great source is the The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference To Techniques and Dressing Styles by Ted Leeson and Jim Schollmeyer published by Amato Books. It is a bit pricey, but well worth the $. It is a book focused on techniques and not a how-to on tying a particular pattern.