Silence of the Dams

Silence of the Dams

Ice Dams that is....this past winter.

They caused roof leakage, which caused the water damage, which caused the current construction, which in turn caused me to break down my tying bench for the duration of repairs. 

Hoping to be put back together and back in the office soon!

Cicadidae's Mother

The Unexpected yet Short Modeling Career of a Cicada

As a fly tier, certain things catch our eye or peak our curiosity in instances where non-tiers would see nothing more than a dead bug. Such was the case when I "stepped across" this unlikely modelling participant. Instantly I paused, thought to myself "Awesome, nothings broken!" And put it in my car.  Upon getting it home and a bit of studying I came to the realization that it in fact had several characteristics akin to "Whistler's Mother". 

1:  Neither this Cicada nor Whistler's Mother had planned on a modelling career on their given day.

2:  Both....only after close study....have truly amazing characteristics when applied to the canvas.

3:  Both needed to be propped up for the duration of their work.

4: And lastly, both appeared to have recently spend 10-13 years in the dirt.

Nevertheless! 

After the piscatorial romance we fly tiers share with Entomologists passed over like a wave, I gathered up my model and headed for the bench.

Now, I am the first to admit, that I am not a "classically trained" realistic fly tier. I barely fall into the "trained at all" category. But like a 4 year old with a screw driver looking at a light socket...sometimes I just can't help myself. 

With materials at hand, and a process that developed as it went, here is what I came up with.  

Note:  

The likelihood of this pattern ever being duplicated again, is extremely small. It WILL however.....be fished. 

Cicadidae's Mother Recipe

Hook:  2/0 Gamakatsu Stinger

Thread:  Black 3/0 Uni-thread

Body:  Brown & Green Fly Foam

Wing: Nylon Mesh

Abdomen:  Root beer and Black Shiraz

Legs:  Yelllow and Olive Centipede

Eyes:  Paracord W/Melted ends

Afternoon Cocktails

Afternoon Cocktails

Even for fish, cocktails before dinner on a Saturday can lead to a rough day.  This afternoon the big gills were in the mood to indulge, and the Cocktail Wog was the only thing being served.

Cocktail Wog

Recipe

Tail: Red Bucktail /Barred Yellow Hackle
Legs:  Yellow/Fire Orange Centipede
Body:  Yellow Fly Foam

Note:  All remaining recipe is the same as the Gurgling Wog.

Cane and Silk Glass

New Cane and Silk

7' 6" 4/5wt 

Well, I need to say, that Mike Kattner of "Cane and Silk" rods has really impressed with the newest build just received this week. After breaking open the shipping tube, I went with an Orvis Battenkill III reel and a DT4F Cortland peach line. It really impressed. 

Olive-dyed Buckeye Burl reel seat, Black nickel garrison style hardware, with Olive and dark brown silk wraps. 

After ordering this same rod in his base model last year, and fishing it for a full season, I was intrigued enough to want an Eminence build model. I am very pleased that I did.

The rod loads almost instantly with the 4wt DT line, throws a wonderful loop and the tip tracks with very little bounce on recovery which makes accuracy a breeze. The build itself is flawless.  Looking for a new piece of glass?  Look no further. 

"Down the Shore"

Down The Shore

Long Beach Island, NJ

So our family trip to the beach has come and gone for 2017. A great time to relax, recharge and enjoy the place I've been visiting since I was 5yrs old. 

Cresting the dunes upon arrival for the first time

Sunrise on LBI

Sunset over Barnegat Bay

"Old Barney" Overlooking Barnegat Inlet

Small Sand Sharks and Skates were the only thing biting for us.

A few small blues that quickly became bait were also in the surf.   All were taken on Surf/Spin gear.  Fly gear was packed, but the wind was not my friend on this trip.  SO....it was all 8-9' Surf rods and cut Peanut Bunker.  

364 Days Till Next Year!

A Great week!