Very nice flies indeed. The pics, as Vicki mentioned, are pretty nice too. I like the natural background. Seeing as your a neighbor to the south, I was wondering what you used for the heron herl on the Old Master. I've had pretty good results with Blue Earred Pheasant herl. Just curious.

REE

For most of my spiders I use the Daiichi 1640. The 2X short shank just looks right to me. It also has a large hook gape and a slightly offset hook point that allows for easier hookups. I've never lost a fish on one of those hooks. I also like the Daiichi 1550 for other wet flies. The TMC 206BL is a ...

Haven't seen a pattern in this thread I didn't like. May have to dress a couple of each and throw them at some trout.

REE

Thanks a lot guys. Abe books just got more of my money thanks to the postings here. I looked at The Anglers Vade Mecum but the price was waaaaay beyond my limited budget. I'll have to settle for the on line version.

REE

I like it. I'd maybe like it a bit more if the tail was wool. The poly yarn might tend to keep the tail high in the water.

REE

When I tie a fly I tie it for fishing, even if I'm tying at a fly fishing and tying expo or for posting on the web. Neatness, I think, counts when your trying to catch fishermen, not fish.

REE

For those times I use head cement, I've been using Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails fingernail polish. I usually try for the kind with nylon. Inexpensive, lasts a long time and only slightly embarrassing the first time you buy it at the make up counter.

REE

Ray,

Abe Books is my friend. My wife, who is just starting to see the light on wet fly fishing, isn't quite convinced, but I did see her skimming through Border River Angling the other day.

REE

Donald let me know about Modern Trout Fly Dressing several years ago. One thing I have found out about Donald, if he suggests a book, buy it, you won't regret it. I wholeheartedly agree with his comments about Woolley's book. Though unimpressive in size, it is packed with good information on tying ...