Frank Sawyer PT Nymph

[Mike Murgida]

I am about to tie some of these up and I have forgotten the original way to tie them...all I can remember is how Hans ties them. Not saying how Hans ties them isn't any good ...but I would like to do it how it was originally done.

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"GET THE DRIFT?"

MM,

tail - pt
copper wire (no thread)
body - pt
rib - copper wire
wing case - pt
thorax - pt

There are probably several ways to actually tie the fly but that is the recipe.

Allan

[classicflytyer]

Nick Sawyer runs this site.
[url=http://sawyernymphs.com/:2d430]http://sawyernymphs.com/[/url:2d430]

This page lists the materials used to tie the nymphs.
[url=http://sawyernymphs.com/frank-sawyer-nymphs.html:2d430]http://sawyernymphs.com/frank-sawyer-nymphs.html[/url:2d430]

If you register on the home page Nick will send you links to eBooks and PDF that he writes.

Enjoy.

[Mike Murgida]

Allan...I know the recipe...just the original technique Frank used is what I am after...Hans does his own variation on how to tie it.

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"GET THE DRIFT?"



[This message has been edited by Mike Murgida (edited 17 August 2005).]

[Hans Weilenmann]

Mike,

The Frank Sawyer tying steps:

- Attach wire at eye and run down to bend, back to eye, and back again to the bend.
- Tie in the pheasant fibers, keep tail quite short. Baetis nymphs have a pretty short tail, maybe 1/4-1/3 of body.
- Twist pheasant fiber butts and wire together into a rope and wrap touching turns to the eye.
- Untwist the copper/pheasant fibers and tie down teh fibers with the wire at the hook eye.
- Make a diagonal wrap with the wire back over the top of the thorax area.
- Pull pheasant fibers over the thorax as the first layer of the wing case.
- Trap pheasant fibers with wire, then make another diagonal turn with the wire back to the hook eye.
Pull the pheasant fibers forward to form the second layer of the wing case.
- Tie the fibers off at the eye, trim, and finish the fly with a couple half hitches with the wire.

My technique to tie the fly is a bit different, as you know. I think my method yields the same functional and visual result, but is more durable.

You try both and draw your own conclusions

Cheers,
Hans W


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=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier

MM,

There are those who insist that on a Catskill dry fly, the wings must be tied on first and then the tail. Others will say the tail is first and then the wings. Still others will say it doesn't matter

Choose your weapon.

Allan

oh my.

I'll stay out of this one.

do whatcha want.

mgj

[Mike Murgida]

After tying both ways...I like Hans' way better...Hans wins as usual.

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"GET THE DRIFT?"

[classicflytyer]

Hans,

I tried tying some size 18 PTs using wire supplied by Nick that was extemely thin and broke very easily. I spooled it and tried using a bobbin but it still broke.

The typical copper wire that I buy in fly shops and that I use for ribbing is much thicker and not red.

Other than taking apart the vacuum cleaner and motor where can we find the thin red wire.

Is there a source (electrical supply?) that sells this type of red wire.

What is it called? Used for?

What size do you recommend that does not break as easily.

BTW, I read the PT instructions on your site. The wire I was used was thin like Danville Spider Web and not as thick as shown in the picture of your PT nymph.

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by classicflytyer (edited 19 August 2005).]

[Hans Weilenmann]

classicflytyer,

I tried tying some size 18 PTs using wire supplied by Nick that was extemely thin and broke very easily. I spooled it and tried using a bobbin but it still broke.

I am not sure how to gauge "extremely thin", but as a guide: for #22-28 hooks I use .002" wire. For #16-20 hooks .004". For #10-14 hooks .006"

The heaviest size given I have used in a bobbin holder, but prefer to wrap a section of wire by hand. This avoids the excess twisting of the wire which comes from wrapping with a bobbin holder.

The typical copper wire that I buy in fly shops and that I use for ribbing is much thicker and not red.

Correct. Way too heavy, and never meant to be used at the 'thread' to tie with.

Other than taking apart the vacuum cleaner and motor where can we find the thin red wire.

Many small electric/electric appliances have suitable size wires, but not too many have the required color.

Is there a source (electrical supply?) that sells this type of red wire.

Hmmm... not sure why you want 'red'

The color to go for to tie 'proper' Sawyer PT nymphs is a rich dark brown, in essence a copy of the dark reddish-brown found in the center tail feathers of a male European pheasant.

What is it called? Used for?

Enamelled copper wire is how it is routinely described.

What size do you recommend that does not break as easily.

The sizes I use I have listed above. The break control is up to the tier. I would suggest you wrap by hand, not using a bobbin holder, for all but the heaviest size.

BTW, I read the PT instructions on your site. The wire I was used was thin like Danville Spider Web and not as thick as shown in the picture of your PT nymph.

The image in the PT section on my page at present holds a pretty dated image. here is an image, and a sample fly, I am more content with. I suggest you use this as your sample on result, and wire/hook proportions.



Cheers,
Hans W


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=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier