Decision made

[R. Michael Charske]

New to targeting bluegills for my fishing enjoyment. I been pondering making it exciting for me. I've decided that I'll go 'classic'. Classic rod and real (split cane fly rod and hardy perfect reel), silk leader and gonna tie a bunch of 'classic' wet fly patterns. Of course this won't be exclusive method but preferred. Here's a sample of where I am headed with this.

Modern (wet version) Royal Coachman. Of special note is the pheasant tippets and the wing quills splayed inward.
My Classic version Royal Coachman. Note the wood duck tail fibers, silk floss body bound with metal tinsel and wings splayed outward. This should be fun !!! I'll post more patterns and results along the journey.

[jim cosgrove]

nice work R.what size rod you gonna use?those beautiful flies are gonna get shredded tho especially peacock.micro peacock chenille and a type of braid ,the name escapes me holds up better .i go for durable and simple as i go thru a lot of flies.i dont know how they inflict so much damage but they do.maybe because they run for cover as soon as they take the fly.

[R. Michael Charske]

Jim,
I got mountains of materials and grosses of hooks and steady hands and good eyesight. I been known to reuse and retie hooks too. LOL
I can hope that these flies will be shredded by fish. Sounds like a blast to me.
The rod is a custom built (20 years ago), for me, 2 weight, slow action, 7 footer. With extra tip and German silver ferrules and guides.
The reel is a Hardy Perfect made for and distributed by Winston Fly rods. I purchased 2 back in the late 90's. 
Glad you enjoyed the fly tying and we'll stay in touch.

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

OUTSTANDING TIE MR. CHARSKE.......

[R. Michael Charske]

Thanks David,

These are for fishing. Just relearning and practicing for now. Like riding a bike I guess. They'll get better suited for pictures and display in the near future. I bet I haven't tied a Royal Coachman in 20 years.

[R. Michael Charske]

By the way David,

Call me Hwyman or simply Hwy. Most folks do, on forums. Will be much easier to type.

I look forward to some great chats and sharing here.

The Highwayman

[Eric Pierce]

Super nice tie....

[jim cosgrove]

thanks  have fun with the classic stuff its all about what we enjoy.,i like shorter rods myself.have a couple 9ft no name split cane flyrods.dont think i would like casting with them.have handled a couple modern cane rods,6.5 i believe  3 wts and they had a great feel.i have a modern glass 3wt.6'7".halo type but half the price.i like it much better than my my tfo 3wt of same length.must be my casting style but i can throw farther with the glass than the carbon tfo.i have tons of stuff too.too much ,wish i could give it to myself 20 years ago.interested in any sz 26 or 28 vintage hooks?

[R. Michael Charske]

Jim,

I really enjoyed the old 'fen glass' rods myself. Very slow action. Absolutely correct in that is 'what we are used to' !!! My #26 hooks disappeared long ago (left em in PA). After fishing and tying tricos for a month, in preparation, and didn't catch a single fish. Caught my first PA brown on a big ole size 8 yellow Western Humpy. Go figure.

[R. Michael Charske]

By the way,

I picked out a box for the classic wets. This (one of several Wheatley's) will make a good home. Yes these boxes have seen many many fishing days.

[R. Michael Charske]

With room for 40 more.

[R. Michael Charske]

Reposting the picture of the 'classic' I tied... I don't see it on my puter for some reason. Not sure you all do either.

[Allen Morgan]

Nice tie!  I have yet to attempt most of the classics, especially wet flies.