September Swap of the Month

All about flies Fly Swaps
1

Being #9 on the list, September is my month to host the swap.

For this month’s challenge, let’s go back to the “classics”, but this time the type of fly is to be a feather winged wet fly.

To give an idea for some patterns, see the following link:
http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/bergman/

I’ll PM my mailing address to the group in the next day or so.

Participants are as follows:

  1. John - Last Chance - [COLOR=red]received[/COLOR]
  2. ibrb - Wickham’s Fancy -[COLOR=red] received[/COLOR]
  3. Texfly - dropped out
  4. bdesavage - #14 Dark Hendrickson - received
  5. FISHNFOOL9 - received
  6. Gigmaster - Royal Coachman - received
  7. Sjo - Blue Dun - [COLOR=red]received[/COLOR]
  8. branhap - received
  9. RGP759 — Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear
  10. RickZ - recieved
  11. hugefish 80
  12. billhouk - The McGinty - received

Bob

2

Thanks for getting us going Bob! I’ll have to think about what to tie now.

John

3

“Challenge”, I guess! I too will have to think about this one. I don’t have too many of these in my list so it may be something new. This may bring the mallard wings out of the freezer.

4

This months swap has reminded me of a question I have meant to ask for some time. These are great flies to tie but I have had trouble finding the right feathers for the hackle. If the feathers are supple they are always to big. If the feathers are the right size , say #12 or #14 , the feathers are to stiff. Maybe I have been trying the wrong feathers. Which type and brand do you prefer?

5

Hen feathers are softer than rooster so you might try a hen neck. Conranch capes come with the side feathers (sorry Denny can’t remember the name for these feathers) and they are softer than the hackles. I also read that the Indian necks are softer than genetic hackle but, I have not been impressed with the over all quality of the Indian product. I used up an entire Indian neck and have found Conrach, Whiting, and others to be superior (even though more expensive). Starling also makes a good wet fly hackle and is inexpensive.

6

Hmmm,
Never tied one of these I’ll have to think on this for a while and let You know what I will tie.

7

This one is definitely going to be new for me. I have this beautiful orange rooster… Any thoughts about using that? I think it could work quite well in this case with some of the softer feathers on the wings or lower back.

I’m in new territory with this one!! Gonna have to order hooks and possibly more feathers (darn!!)

Paul

8

That’s a real challenge for me too! I will have to think awhile before announcing a pattern.
Sjo

9

I am going to have to expand my skills, if I have any.

Rick

10

LOL… I’m with you, Rick. I’ve never tied a feather wing. And I’m never too sure about my skills.

John

11

I’m confused. I thought I was # 9 on the list.

So what month am I supposed to host?

12

I will have to double check but with the people who dropped out I think your right Gigmaster. Not that I mind either way but I think it would only be fair if this is true. What do you think John?

13

I think we all got a bit confused. Me included. But, since Bob got this started, let’s go with it.

Then, October - gigmaster
November - Rick Z
December - hugefish_80

We’ll have to catch billhouk next year - assuming he’ll want to play in 2011.

That work?

John

14

Great! I just wanted to make sure I stood my watch.

RPG759s theme is better than what I was thinking about anyway. Now I have 30 more days to come up with something really cool.

Put me down for a Royal Coachman Wet, size 12.

15

I’ll defer to January 2011.

Also, I have my pattern for this month, The McGinty in a #10 or #12.

16

OK. Here’s my offering.

Royal Coachman Wet

Hook: sz 12 wet 1X
Thread: Unithread-black 8/0
Tail: Brown Grizzly Hen Neck
Body and Thorax: Peacock Herl
Midsection: Red Floss
Beard: Brown Grizzly Hen Neck
Wing: rolled White Hen Saddle.

17

Sorry about jumping the line, guys. I looked at the order of the names for the last 3 months, and I was listed in the #9 spot, so I made the assumption that September was my month to host. Sorry about any confusion.

On the other hand, I’m glad you guys like the idea for the month. I really think the classic feather winged wet flies are things of beauty and a challenge to tie.

Now with that in mind, who’s up for trying some slip wings?

Bob

18

Hey Bob,
My wings alway’s slip…Does that count;)

19

I dunno. What’s a ‘slip wing’?

20

O.K Bob,
Put me down for a #14 Dark Hendrickson…I ain’t sure how it’s gonna work out though I ain’t used to tying that big;)