A Couple of Flies

[Donald Nicolson]

Xtal and Ginger Bead fly.

Hook: #16 Varivas 2200BL.
Body: Black, then Xtal and ginger beads alternating.
Butt: Orange fluo silk.
Sealed with BugBond and Sally Hansen.

I tried BugBond for the first time, found it was still sticky after lighting it up
with the UVF torch. So I coated it with Sally.




Black Fluo Yellow Bugger.

Hook: #8 l/s s/e Lure hook.
Tail: Black marabou.
Rib: Silver oval tinsel.
Body: Lead wire underbody, Black chenille.
Hackle: Fluo yellow Brahma cock.

I wanted to try the Yellow fluo Brahma cock hackle.
I quite like it. It fluoresces at the tips.

[EdD]

Donald,
You've tied another pair of good-looking flies.
That bugger would work well in my waters.

Thanks,
Ed

[Donald Nicolson]

Ed, I am quite pleased with the Bugger, I saw the Bramah Cock Skins in a UK catalogue, I think they are Polish in origin,
and took a fancy. They are very nice, with a dark list and white tips, and are dyed in several colours. I am usually a bit
wary of Chartreuse colouring, yellow or green, it has been overused I think for a good few years. Here it looks great.
I did get some other non-fluo colours, blue and claret, we'll see how they come out.

The bead fly was a bit of a trial run as well. I had an idea for using BugBond on bead flies as a protective coating.
They have often disintegrated when in use, my casting leaves a lot to be desired.
This is the first time I have used BugBond or any of the UV setting resins, I am beginning to 'hae ma doobts'.
I believe there are other more advanced versions of the product, we'll see.

[AlanB]

Donald
I can understand your doubts about UV Resin. I got one lot about 12 months back that was still tacky when it should have been dry. Now I have the one from Deer Creek with the laser to set it off. That does go solid, and very quickly. I like it as I can get the finish I want without having loads of flies drying in racks. They are a magnet for any bit of fluff floating around. It may be possible to tie flies without bits of fluff floating around, but I haven't found a way. Also the Deer Creak one is cheaper than Bug Bond.
Cheers,
A.

[Donald Nicolson]

Thanks Alan, I'll have to try the Deer Creek. I have also tried it on other bodies, not very satisfactory.

[EdD]

Donald,
I'm looking forward to a report from l_ _ __ _ _ _ _ burn, or even Kelty Burn.
You and Alan are only two weeks away from Opening Day!


Ed

[Donald Nicolson]

Hi Alan,
The Deer Creek stuff arrived today, looks very likely, only problem is installing the tube in the drier.
Does the top come of the drier? If it does it is very stiff, I don't like to force things, I shall have to
just try to manipulate the tube into position. I have put it aside for the moment and started dressing
some flies. I dressed a Skues fly called "McCaskie' Green Cat". It is in two versions, I shall post both here
when I have finished them.

[AlanB]

Sorry Donald, not with you on "Drier" The kit I got came with a bottle two tops (Nozzle and brush) and the laser to set it.
Just a moment did you get the mains drier?
I have one, though from a different manufacturer. Mine doesn't come apart, you have to fit the tube through the opening. A little fiddly but not impossible.
Cheers,
A.

[Donald Nicolson]

Hi Alan,
I ordered straight from Deercreek and got the mains dryer. I did not see any other drier on their site.
Where did you get the 'lazer'(?) drier from.

[AlanB]

I was emailed an offer from Deer Creek for it, and that's the one I bought. They do a regular torch as well.
The main thing is I hope this one does as well for you as it does for me.
As usual today I've been tying, but just for a change flies for me to use. B&P Spiders with a silver tag (The flies I fish with are usually simpler than the ones I tie commercially). As the tag is often the first thing to go on these flies, I've coated this with Diamond Hard. Being able to set it very quickly is a huge advantage.
Cheers,
A.