Thank you Mike - I knew I could trust you! When I first saw spiders with set hackles I thought this was the result of being stored in a fly wallet. These "simple" flies have always intrigued me and when I got the opportunity in the late eighties I discussed them with Lars Olsson, riverkeep...

Very good topic!

dd

I am glad that you are back, Mike, since I have a question regarding the historical background and practise for setting the hackle, as opposed to umbrella style. Can you please eloaborate somewhat on this?

Anybody's input is welcome as well.

dd

Is there a hook similar to Daiichi 1480/Kamasan B525/Kamasan B410 sized in between 14 and 16?

I have tied some flies on Mustad 3366 sz 18 which is a very nice hook and of the same size as Kamasan B525 sz 16. Is this (3366) available in sz 16 anywhere?

dd

short and to the point...

Would have been good to see it happen!!!

dd

Mike,

You already know what I think.

dd

Mike is doing well, I have been in regular contact with him as he has provided some really valuable research materials for the new book that Bob Smith and I are co-authoring (the tile keeps changing but is an update from Edmonds & Lee but includes techniques etc). As you say a great wealth of k...

William,

You are one of the persons whose words about Charlie Collins made me curious. You did not let me down, neither did this Dave McNeese. One thing is strange though - you are supposed to have thick black/grayish hair and spectacles. Did you send the wrong photo by any chance?

dd

I miss his wealth of knowledge too, Donald. I still hope for some kind of return. We had some mail exchange but unfortunately I lost his address in a crash.

dd

If you were curious of the hackle I can say that it was a bit like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Collins-Hackle-Farm-Dry-Fly-Cape-Barred-Dun-/220617028634?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335dccb41a and this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Collins-Hackle-Farm-Dry-Fly-Cape-Lt-Barred-Ginger-/220617025884?pt=LH...