For me when I sit down to tye a classic fly I want to use the materials that the original calls for. That in itself is where the fun lies, collecting a particular bit of material what it's all about. Searching and then collecting a bit of Tups wool was almost exciting as catching a burglar at 0300hr...

I'm late to the game on this but I stripped quills like that in the '70's and I still have some stored in glycerin. I have no idea where I got the info from, it was from printed material.

I have wooden spools of 6b that differ somewhat in color, what I suspect is different dye lots and UV deterioration of the silks. I also have some of Pearsall's Embroidery (6b) that does match the wooden spools I have.

I just returned from Montana,two months, I used basically three flies during the entire trip. The s/h I used was size 14 Ellis Hatches, Hatching Pupa. Video is available on line.

Further to my previous post I would like to add that I use homemade silk furled leaders. A short tapered leader to the first loop or tippet ring and generally florocarbon for the rest. Certainly, as suggested use Knot Sense to smooth out any knots if you wish. I used to use it but know only for a n...

I have found that the Razor scissors are the best for me. If I really want to get close I use an Exacto knife.

John, What are you using for tippet? I've used Rio & Orvis super strong, both of which I'm liking less & less. I've heard good things about every brand of tippet there is, though :? Paul, I really like Trout Hunter's tippet material and I have used it for years. Out West in the Fall on the ...

Waaay back when I tyed my own leaders also. I started with an Orvis kit then added Maxima for the butts. Then I went to the furled leader which I use for the most part now. A year or so ago Shaner shared his leader formula's and I started tying some of my leaders again. Using Maxima and his suggesti...

Bob - Is that a dyed red skunk skin? Sounds interesting. No it's a natural red. It's not a dark red but an interesting color. We were visiting friends in OH and we to a flee market and a couple of trappers were selling hides. Like so ... ? Red Phase Skunk.jpg Yup, but what I have is redder.