I have a lot of ideas rolling around for upcoming swaps. I thought I’d throw out my list so far, and see what everyone thinks. BTW, if someone sees something they like and wants to “steal” one to host themselves, go right ahead. I’ll most likely join if you do. It will take me forever to make it through all of these.
Geography swap: fill in the blanks
Zonker swap
New pattern swap (everyone ties a new pattern that they haven’t done before. It is about expanding your skills–or MY skills )
streamer swap
bluegill swap
foam swap
old fly swap (from the old fly section here on FAOL)
how about a ‘life cycle’ swap (nymph, emerger, adult)
caddis
mayflies
softhackles
traditional winged wet flies
north country spider style flies
clyde, tummel style wet flies
3 material only fly
favorite foam flies
dragon flies
terrestrials
saltwater flies
mary orvis marbury style wet bass flies
hook size swap (pick a range of hook sizes from size 2 thru 26, and its first come first served as to who picks what size hook. the swapper then has to tie their fly on that size hook for the rest of the swappers. this way all swappers will get 1 fly of each size hooks chosen)
pattern name swap. swapmeister publishes 12 random fly patterns and its first come first served as to which fly you want to tie. dont be last as you get the runt of the litter.
stick to the published recipe no material substitute carrie stevens featherwing streamer swap (this might be limited to the more experienced tyers)
bucktail streamer swap
muddler minnows
flies from books such as “forgotten flies” “any of the jack dennis books” “any of the randall kauffmann books” any pattern out of any “gary lafontaine” books etc etc etc
I like the idea of an old fly swap from the old fly section here on FAOL combine this with New pattern swap idea and you get = Everyone ties a new pattern that they haven’t done before from the old flies section on FAOL.
The ‘life cycle’ swap (nymph, emerger, adult) also appeals to me.
Or an Al Campbell “too simple” swap.
A Fish-ins swap , your favorite fly used for one of the fish ins.
A chernoble ant swap would probably turn up some wild and wonderful looking ants.
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