Tying flies 101 by a beginning old person.

[dick tabbert]

Well after yesterdays mishaps today went a little smoother. Didn't break near as much thread my worst experience was I pushed the bodkin halfway through my thumb got blood everywhere but after looking at the pictures I didn't see any so I assume it blended in quit well. I started last night but after getting thoroughly disgusted after breaking the thread about four times I put it all up. Today I did figure out the bobbin where new and I had to open then up. That took care of 75% of the breakage. Jen helped with the superglue and it worked great now the bodies don't tend to pull to the side when cinching them down. Greg suggested a different thread which I think I will have to order I didn't see it at Jann's.

[Greg McWilliams]

Dick, what size thread are you using??? If you can tie thse with the smaller thread, if is better!!!!! I use the flat waxed thread when I tie with big foam, but prefer an 8/0 thread!!!! Keeps it from bulking up!!!!!!!  You did AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dick tabbert]

Greg I'm using 6/0 on the thread and the largest foam bodied Janns had. I think if I go any smaller on my thread at this time being inexperienced I'll be breaking my thread again. I haven't been back to Janns to replace my thread with the thread you were talking about yet but if it is what you said it is maybe I can downsize then. I'm hoping to make it over there today some time for thread and different hooks. Tooty suggested Mustad R30-94833 light wire hooks do you have a preference.

[Ronnie M.]

Dick, your flies look great. You are going to be very good at tying.

[dick tabbert]

Thanks, I did fined that you need to ask lots of question before acting cause I did lots on mistakes  but It is kind of neat.

[Greg McWilliams]

Use the same size hook just look for 1x fine wire hook!!!! It will work!!!! Some time they work really well just below the surface anyway!!!!!! I use very few floating flies!!!! But that is just me!!!!

[dick tabbert]

Thank you Greg

[Greg McWilliams]

Dick, This may sound funny but I used to use 6/0 thread!!!!! Then in a kit I got at a tying event they gave to all tyers was an 8/0 thread!!!! It was smaller in diameter, but had far few breaks and seemed to be stronger!!!!! Some things defy explinationS!!!!!!!

[dick tabbert]

Thanks Greg I just got back from Janns. I describe my situation and he told me to open the bobbin up till you can get a nice steady pull without ant hangups. So tonight when I set back down to tie a few more I will try that first plus got the light wire hooks that should help on the rubber sinking spider. All you guys and of coarse Jen have been great and I thank you all very much.

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

Hey Dick,

 I read all the replys and sounds like some good advice on all aspects of your tying adventure and keep up the good work ole buddy. YOU ARE DOING GREAT and welcome to the world of fly tying and you will really get a kick out of it when you catch your first fish with something you made your self.
  You must have already learned , as all of us do , that when you get frustrated just step away from it for a while and things seem to work out on their own most of the time.

  Like I told you yesterday the chenille one that is black and chartreuse is the first one I"d  try when it comes to sub surface, LOOKS ABSOLUTELY GREAT TO ME , and you should be proud of your first efforts.
   GREAT JOB OLE BUDDY! BY THE WAY you remember I told you don't throw any flies away! The big spiders may be just the ticket for some GREEN CARP (BASS) , in your pond or where ever you try em.

[dick tabbert]

Just got back from Janns and got my hooks and a couple more bobbins and couple more bobbin threaders and a few more different colors of thread. I ask him about the thread breakage. He said the bobbin was to tight that I should be able to pull it of steady with no hang ups. I have to pull to hard so he said spread it apart a little more and Tooty the new hooks look much lighter and again THANK YOU KIND SIR for all your help.

[Jen Nayfly]

Your flies might have been the ticket for last nights fishing. There were gill surfacing all around in small schools and I couldn't catch a one but that's when subsurface flies really come in handy! I finally went back to a heavily weighted stonefly and caught males one after another!

[dick tabbert]

Jen I never herd of such a fly do they really make subsurface flies?