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  1. #1
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    Default Sparkle Pupa

    I really wish LaFontaine was still with us and developing new patterns based on his under-water research.

    Anyway, I watched his video today on tying his Sparkle Pupa. When you just read its recipe, you miss a couple nuances which he felt were important.

    I probably did not do his fly justice, but was reminded of two things from his video:

    1. Do not stack the deer hair as it won't look "natural".
    2. Leave a tiny bit of antron trailing the back of the fly.

    Probably doesn't do justice to his design, but tried to follow his directions.


  2. #2

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    Byron,
    Is the video on the web? If so, could you post a link.

    Dave

  3. #3
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    Default

    here's a video I found very good.

    https://vimeo.com/31052076

    Mike
    "The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of that which is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope" -John Buchan

  4. #4
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    Byron,

    Are you using the "blended" method for the abdomen and veil ?

    PT/TB
    Daughter to Father, "How many arms do you have, how many fly rods do you need?"
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  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by planettrout View Post
    Byron,

    Are you using the "blended" method for the abdomen and veil ?

    PT/TB
    PT:
    The abdomen is done using his "touch dubbing" technique.
    The veil is combed antron fibers as he did.

  6. #6

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    I tie them as Gary did I believe he did it right, and for me they work well. Not difficult to tie his way either. Also try using the right material, sparkle yarn as the original pattern was tied.
    Gene

  7. #7
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Byron haugh View Post
    Probably doesn't do justice to his design, but tried to follow his directions.
    Byron,

    Gary's directions in Caddisflies has the tier tying down two strands of antron, one on top of the shank and one on the bottom of the shank. I never did understand this advice as it has the tier struggle to negotiate the bend and sharp hook point&barb.

    I strongly suggest tying in the bunches on either side of the shank instead, as indeed Matt Grobert in the Vimeo video demonstrates

    Cheers,
    Hans W
    Last edited by Hans Weilenmann; 03-21-2013 at 02:06 PM.
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  8. #8
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    Default

    Thanks for the video link mickalo, I've had problems doing the "over and under" when following the original instructions.
    Mike

  9. #9
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    Default

    I've never been able to get the bubble to encompass the entire hook.

    I saw a video recently featuring a somewhat similar fly. The tier tied down the veil right behind the eye, then pushed the veil back towards the body. Got a nice round bubble.

  10. #10
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    I have quit doing the two bunches of antron entirely. I tie in one larger bunch with the fibers around the hook the same way I would tie in the deer hair for a Robert's Drake. This leaves the fibers evenly distributed around the hook. You do have to be carefull not to make the veil to heavy so it can be seen through since this method does not leave gaps at the sides to see the underbody through.
    I can think of few acts more selfish than refusing a vaccination.

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