FLYMPH FORUM

In response to the daringduffer challenge ...

Hook: Daiichi 1640, Size #12
Thread: Pearsall's Gossamer, #8 purple
Hackle: Teal undercovert
Thorax: Peacock sword herl

Very cool Bill.

Bill,
You (are a) rock. Harold Howorth would approve. I knew I could trust you.

Jeff,
Thank you very much for being so helpful. Fifty years ago I decided to emigrate to New Zeeland, in spite of not knowing of your existence. Probably you did not exist yet ...


Another of Howarth's flies was The All Black.

Hook: 12, 14
Tag: two turns of silver lurex
Body: tapered but slim, black silk with ample space for
Thorax: four turns of ostrich herl
Hackle: six to seven turns of hen hackle, black

"He has found this fly - as a dropper - to be most effective on both river and stillwater. It is particularly good on stillwater as an evening fly, and as usual it is better when there is a ripple on the water. Fished just under or in the surface skin it often produces vigorous rises from large fish, and to avoid breakages the cast should not be too light".

dd

Stefan - After reading the description, I tyed up an "All Black". I followed Bill's lead with the straight eyed hook (beautiful fly Bill). Since this was a small fly, I chose starling back feather for the hackle. I'm not very happy with the ostrich herl I used. The fibers seem to be too big. I'd be tempted to substitute peacock herl which has been dyed black instead. Anyway, here is my attempt at tying Howarth's All Black.

Super cool flies everyone.

What a great thread. I love the history and the representations. I hope to get in on this. Well done.

w

I've been away for a few days. I have some catching up to do.
Thank you Ray for posting a fly that isn't perfect. I agree with you that the ostrich is a bit on the large side. But we are only humans. I bet William would never post a fly like this - a fly less than perfect. He would cringe. I much appreciate your contribution.

dd