Carl Richard's Caddis Flies

[Eight Thumbs]

Hi Folks,


I've got a question for the group. I've been reading Carl Richards' & Bob Braendle's book called Caddis Super Hatches (1997). I've come across a really nice looking adult caddis imitation (Page 31) in which the wing is made out of frosted Scotch tape. A partridge breast feather is first stuck to the sticky side of the tape. The feather side of the tape and the feather itself are then coated with water-proof cement since the glue on Scotch Tape isn't water-proof by itself. After the water-proof glue dries, the tape is folded down the middle and cut to the shape of the caddis wing you wish to imitate. Additional color or markings can be added as needed with a water-proof marker. The effect is striking!
I don't recall seeing these Scotch Tape caddis flies written up in magazines or sold anywhere so I assume they never really caught on. Has anyone ever used them? If so, I've got a couple of questions. How is their general durability? I would be afraid that the tape might go totally limp even with the additional glue after long-term use. I don't recall that water and Scotch Tape have ever been close allies. Also, what type of water-proof glue would you use or recommend for these flies. Much thanks in advance for your input----serious and otherwise. 8T

[Ron Eagle Elk]

8T,

Never used the scotch tape method, but have seen it. I really like using tea bags in a similar method. Lay the tea bag (single layer) over the feather then apply Flexament or something similar. Once dry, the wing is trimmed as you mentioned. Very striking, as the tea bag disappears completly. I've also seen a similar technique using pantyhose stretched in a needle point hoop.

Hopefully this link will wotk for the step by step of the tea bag sedge pattern. http://ukflydressing.proboards.com/i...ay&thread=1787

REE

[TyroneFly]

8T,

Never used the scotch tape method, but have seen it. I really like using tea bags in a similar method. Lay the tea bag (single layer) over the feather then apply Flexament or something similar. Once dry, the wing is trimmed as you mentioned. Very striking, as the tea bag disappears completly. I've also seen a similar technique using pantyhose stretched in a needle point hoop.

Hopefully this link will wotk for the step by step of the tea bag sedge pattern. http://ukflydressing.proboards.com/i...ay&thread=1787

REE

Ron, that is a great method. Thanks for sharing that.

[LadyFisher]

Did you really think it wouldn't be here on FAOL? It is. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flyt...081202fotw.php

[Eight Thumbs]

Hi Again Ladyfisher,

I can only hang my head in shame. I didn't recall that the Cinnamon Caddis had been a FOTW. It didn't ring a bell and more than likely I just slap forgot about seeing it. My basic question about the durability of the wings still remains a major concern. Have you or any other FAOLers had a chance to check one of these Scotch Tape flies after 30-40 minutes of fishing? Granted I lose most flies in less than thirty or forty minutes of fishing but in the event I did manage to keep the fly out of the hemlock, rhododendron, and laurel, what would the wings look like? 8T

[Chuck441]

ET- some have recommended using Scotch package sealing tape, because it's waterproof. I'm not sure that regular Scotch is.

Chuck

[pszy22]

I've been fishing that pattern for the last 7 or 8 years. As suggested, I use a packing tape, the flies are surprisingly durable. I've never specifically counted, but I know the flies will at least withstand the onslaught of 20 - 25 fish. To be honest, I typically only use that pattern on fairly slow/slack water when the fish have time to really study your fly. They are very effective.

Here's a pretty good descriptive monologue -

http://www.mwflytying.com/patterns/t...ng_caddis.html

[Eight Thumbs]

Hello Folks,

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions concerning the tape-wing caddis fly. You can always count on FAOL for some great suggestions to fly fishing or fly tying problems. As Ladyfisher pointed out, many of the answers reside right her in the FAOL archives.
REE: I like the teabag suggestion a lot. I would never have guessed that the tea bag material would become invisible after gluing.

Chuck and Pszy: I can see where packing tape would be a better choice than frosted Scotch Tape. Being water-proof and considerably stronger would certainly make it more durable. One question for either or both of you, is additional glue required to hold the feather to the tape when using packing tape?

Once again, much thanks to everyone. I'm definitely going to try both methods of wing construction. 8T

[Scruffy Fly]

Dave's Fleximent is commonly used on wings like that to bind the fibers together.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

8T,

PM me your snail mail addy and I'll ship you some proper tea bags for this technique. UK tea bags are very different than ours. One of my mates from the UK sent me a lifetime supply of tea. You'll see the difference. (Make sure you try the tea as a drink as well. Very superior to what we normally think of as tea.)

REE