Large Deceivers and CCG

I've been tying a bunch of deceiver patterns and these are just a few samples.  Mostly just having fun with the top three, but hopefully I'll get to cast these to some hungry fish soon.  All of these flies are finished with CCG.

Menhaden Fly Patterns (Weedless)

 

Which one is not like the others?  I think I need to move my "dots" forward...

Bunker Fly Patterns and New Gear

Getting ready for some saltwater action as spring approaches on the Mid-Atlantic Coast.  I also procured a new Large Arbor Battenkill Big Game Reel for my 10wt.  Can't wait to test out the depth charger fly line.

Winter Tying Exploits with CCG



Polar Minnow with CCG Head

 

Surf Candy with CCG Soft Body



Deceiver with CCG Head



CCG Spoon Assortment



Albie Whore with CCG Soft Body

CCG Missy Bonefish

CCG Clouser/ Deceiver

Soft Body CCG/ Big Eyed Minnow Pattern

Plenty of time for the bench this time of year.  Read my review of the Clear Cure Goo product line in the latest issue of Blood Knot Magazine Issue #4.  Great tying material, cures crystal clear in seconds, many applications, tough as nails, great value.  Get yours at http://www.clearcuregoo.com/.

Blood Knot Magazine Blogger Issue #4

Blood Knot Magazine - Issue #4

I'm proud to announce the release of Issue #4 from Blood Knot Magazine.  This latest issue is our 1st Annual "Blogger" Issue, featuring contributions from 25 well known blogs from the international fly fishing community.  We hope you enjoy the read as much as we enjoyed putting it all together.

I'd like to give a personal shout out to Cyril at Le Mouching, Dave at Emeral Water Anglers, Andy at Small Fly Funk, Dylan at Skate the Fly, Jay at Colorado Fly Fishing Reports, Steve of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing, Andy Zimmerman at Native Watercraft, and Brian at Clear Cure Goo.  Of course, many thanks to all of our awesome contributors and the dedicated staff who helped pull off yet another great issue!

LY Baitfish Fly Pattern

A guide once told me, "Ain't nothin' like the real thang, baby."  Well, I know he's right about that but we can still fool a lot of fish using fly patterns like the one above.  I've been tying up a number of simple variations aimed at imitating those oily little baitfish like bunker, LY, or small menhaden.  These are a favorite meal for many saltwater species and they catch just about anything that swims. 

In my experience, there is no better live bait than an LY free lined on the edge of a channel or bayou.  They usually produce strikes within 10-20 seconds of hitting the water when you're on fish.  If not, then chances are pretty good you aren't where the fish are.  I'm hoping fly imitations like this one will produce fish, although it will be important to use a sinking line in deeper water.

The recipe for the simple fly above:

- Gamakatsu SL-12S in sizes 2 - 2/0
- White Enrico Puglisi EP Fibers tied in a sparse patch on top and bottom of shank then flared and trimmed to shape
- Flash of choice
- Sharpie Permanent Markers for custom color
- Holographic or Jurassic Decal Eyes
- Clear Cure Goo or Epoxy to secure head and eyes

Clear Goo is the Poo



Here is a little teaser for you.  After all the recent hype, I decided to reach out to Brian over at Clear Cure Goo to check this stuff out for myself.

I don't want to spoil anything since I'll be doing a full review of the Clear Goo product line in the 4th Issue of Blood Knot Magazine but I'll go ahead tell you as an avid saltwater fly tyer that this stuff is not like anything I've ever seen. Having made do with epoxy for years for lack of comparable alternatives - Clear Goo has set out to change the future of fly tying forever.  Stay tuned for more...

Terrestrials - Foam Hopper Patterns

It's almost enough to make a dry fly purist lose his composure. These foam creations look like extra-terrestrials compared to your traditional "Adam's" mayfly but I guarantee they will drive big fish to strike when nothing else will.

Maddie at the Vise

As you might imagine, no father could be more proud than this...is it ironic that she is tying a seducer??

Now if she isn't an angel, I don't know who is...I love you baby girl; we'll be putting that fly to the test soon enough!!

Blood Knot Magazine - Issue Premier!

Need I say more?  The Blood Knot staff have been working tirelessly for months to put our premier issue together.  As Saltwater Editor, I am excited to announce the release of our first issue.  You can check it out at Blood Knot Magazine Issue #1 and don't forget to subscribe for free.  No spam, no selling of email addresses, no trying to sell you anything, just new issues when they are published online. 

Our next issue is scheduled for release in August, so spread the word and give us your feedback.  We are hoping the next issue will have more interactive content.  Also, don't forget if you are interested in submitting an article, photography, or art for publication in the magazine, contact me and I'll get you pointed in the right direction.

Blood Knot Magazine Editor

Well, as of last week, I have been asked to join Blood Knot Magazine as the Saltwater Editor. Check it out!  After being solicited to write a few articles for their first release, they inquired if I would be interested in joining the team as a staff editor.  I jumped at the opportunity. 

If you're not already familiar, Blood Knot is a "fly or die" publication, meaning articles are exclusively about all things fly fishing.  The publication is based out of Boulder, CO.  Articles can be about nearly anything - just as long as the story somehow relates to the sport of fly fishing.  If you're looking for poetry and romance, then you're in the wrong spot.  BK is only interested in legit stories, not the embelished ones like you might read in some other old school publications.  Blood Knot features close to the bone material fueled by professionals and amatures alike who all share a passion for the sport of fly fishing and it's culture. 

In addition to writing and reviewing saltwater articles, I will be soliciting new and witty material from those who are as proficient with a pen as they are with a fly rod.  If you are interested in submitting an arcticle or know of someone who might be, please send me an email at ben@bloodknot.net.

A Chipette off the Old Block

I'm not sure exactly what got this whole thing started but it may have something to do with the inevitable combination of genetics and daddy's girl syndrome. As you can see, Maddie has become smitten with sitting at my fly tying bench and playing with anything and everything she can get her hands on. She gets angry if we try to remove her from this new perch of hers. For me it is a mixture of pride, frustration and more pride - part of me can't wait to foster the possible interest in one of my favorite pass times, but I definitely get tired of picking up my materials being scattered to the four winds. I am afraid that at any moment my child is going to wind up getting hooked in the mouth like a fish. All the same, it is so adorable, I just can't say no. So tonight I decided to join in the fun and let her "hep, hep" tie up a fly or two.