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Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 9:15 pm
by letumgo
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Big Game Solar Collector
Hook - Partridge Czech Nymph "CZ/SHR" (Size 12)
Underbody - UNI-Stretch (White)
Abdomen - 30# Test Trilene Big Game Fishing Line ("Solar Collector" = bright green)
Thread - 8/0 UNI-Thread (Camel)
Thorax - Ostrich Herl (Black) - reinforced in thread dubbing loop
Hackle - Hen Neck Hackle (Grizzly)

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I recently bought a spool of this bright green fishing line from Walmart, to use it for some experiments with furled leaders (high viz tenkara line, or for sighting bite indicators).

I started playing around with it, and was curious to see what it would look like on the body of a fly. It might work, or it may simply blind the fish. This stuff is amazingly bright (neon chartreuse green).

After tying this fly, I'd recommend using a smaller diameter (maybe 20# or 25# test version), especially for smaller versions. The 30# test (0.022" or 0.56 mm) is rather thick (hard to make the first wrap without deforming the underbody).

Anyway, just an excuse to play around at the vise...

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 10:12 pm
by Roadkill
Looks like a viable Steelhead caddis to me!! Better buy some 20 lb test and tie some #14s and 16s. ;)

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:37 am
by Johnno
Before tying the stuff in maybe flatten it with a pr of pliers. Make for less bulk?

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 7:36 am
by Ron Eagle Elk
Ray, I'm in the same boat as Hank. Only seeing picture #3. Liking what I do see though.

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 8:49 am
by Theroe
I use the same mono, as well as other brands and colors. Try dipping a piece in Boiling hot water, you can stretch it, flatten it, etc.

Dana

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 9:20 am
by letumgo
Johnno - I did flatten the mono before tying it in. The section in the thorax and abdomen are all tyed with flattened mono underneath the visible parts.

Dana - Thanks for the boiling tip. Will give this a try. I've heard about this as a method to make the material more flexible in leader construction. Hadn't considered it for fly construction.

All - Hopefully the photos are visible now. I replaced all the links this morning.

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 11:48 am
by zen leecher
That's a lot of caddis flies. By my estimation you will be able to tie 1760 flies with that. I applaud you for finally obtaining the title of "hoarder".

With the translucent body you should get great results.

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 2:03 pm
by letumgo
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Yup. Hoarder is about right. I now have a lifetime supply of bright green fishing line... :D

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 2:07 pm
by Ron Eagle Elk
Yup, Ray, I can see all the pictures now. Very cool.

Re: Big Game Solar Collector

Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2020 10:06 pm
by hankaye
Ray, Howdy;

Yup, got all the pix in the correct places. Did put my sunglasses on before viewing
had a start yesterday evening when I first spotted the wee pic with the glaring GREEN
body. :mrgreen:

Nice bug Ray, waitin' to see what ya catch with it.

hank