Straw Topaz

[Soft-hackle]

Straw Topaz Soft-hackle

First, before I give the dressing, I've go explain the material used for the abdomen and thorax. I purchase a ball of twine-white-some years back. The fibers used to construct the twine were composed of some type of synthetic-perhaps an antron-because in the light, the fibers glisten and sparkle. The stuff takes dyes quite well. So, I will call it Antron twine or yarn. I believe it is a little stiffer that actual antron. It works great, as you can see.

Hook: Mustad 3399A #12
Thread: Lt Cahill Uni-8/0
Hackle: Golden Straw Brahma
Abdomen: A thin bunch of straw colored Antron Twine fibers, wrapped flat over itself. There is no tying thread beneath it.
Throrax: Straw colored Antron Twine fibers cut short & twisted in a dubbing loop.

Again this is a tune up fly for my upcoming demo. Untested, of course, but I think it'll do well.

Mark

[willowhead]

DYNOMOITE dressing Mark.....where can i get that twine? Thankx for sharing.

[Soft-hackle]

Hi Mark,
I wish I could remember where I purchased the stuff. It was quite a lot of twine which was all white and could be dyed very easily using regular RIT clothes dye. I cut off various lengths and dyed them different colors. If I see it again, I will surely let you know where I got it. I'm sure a good Antron yarn would work just as well.

Mark

http://www.jimsflyco.com/products/Antra ... 930-0.html

http://www.fishusa.com/Antron-Yarn_p.html

http://www.anglersworkshop.com/items.aspx?catid=1337

[willowhead]

Hey Mark.....tkx. for the links. Bookmarked a couple.....good stuff. Is that Jim Slattery that has that fly shop......? Nice cat.....i'm in his current swap. i've got that Anton on a spool (bobbin) stuff already.....in a bunch of colors. i was hoping i could get it in white, so as to facilitate multi-dying it to fit my body designs........no biggie.....it'll show sooner or later. What got me excited is the thought that i might be able to get a lifetime supply in a single ball.........it's getting to the point where i'm actually trying not to keep buying more "Stuff" allllllllllll the time.......i gotta nuff crap to open 3 fly shops already, and i'll never use half of it.......or maybe even half of that. You know how it goes............

[Soft-hackle]

Hi Mark,
Yes, that link was to Jim's site. From what I see online and hear, he has an awesome shop with a selection of hackle that is super large. Jim's a good man, and we talk, off and on, via the telephone. I designed his logo for his lodge and fly shop in West Yellowstone. If you need anything, get in touch with him.

He's had a lot of problems this past season with water-etc., however, he is doing ok. We are also collaborating on the reconstruction of his flymph site, of which this forum will be a part. I plan on working on it as winter progresses.

Mark