Power Monkey
Hook: Grip 14723BL #14
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, black
Hackle: Hen, furnace
Abdomen: Goose biot, dyed brown
Thorax: Argentinean hair, dyed dark olive
Cheers,
Hans W
Really like this fly. Do you fish it as a soft hackle, across and down, or as a “struggler” in the film, or both?
Byron*fan of ball bearing sleeves. LOL
When I saw the name I thought the recipe would include ‘monkey’. And before anyone dismisses monkey hair/fur as a material, know that it was sold back in the 60’s and 70s. Anyway, since the material is not in the recipe, is there a subliminal message within the name? LOL(I think).
Allan
Nothing subliminal, Allan. It is a name I have found interesting - for a job far from amusing - the young boys assisting the gunner crews on the marine tall ships of centuries past, carrying the gun powder from the powder room to the guns.
Cheers,
Hans W
The brass plinth they stacked the cannon balls on were also known as Monkeys. In cold weather the brass would contract, and the cannon balls rolled off. Hence the old saying…
Cheers,
C.
Hans,
This is far from any negative critique. The history you mention is very interesting. Would you, if in the future you identify a fly pattern name that’s not well known, give a brief history? Often that’s what makes fly tying so interesting.
And Alan, I’m not sure about that ‘old saying’. Would you expound just enough so we can get it without you getting banned, LOL?
Allan,
Sure 
You do not know what goes through my head when I name some of these flies. Be afraid, be very afraid…
Cheers,
Hans W
Hans,
:D:D:D