Question:

We are planning a trip to the Laguna Madre late summer early fall.  Never been before.  Any help on flies, maps, places, etc would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Henry

Response:

We are planning a trip to the Laguna Madre late summer early fall.  Never been before.  Any help on flies, maps, places, etc would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Henry

Henry, what part of the Laguna Madre are you planning to visit? It runs about 120 miles from Corpus Christi south to the Brazos Santiago Pass at South Padre Island. For great fly fishing adventures, you can’t miss fishing with Capt. Joe Mendez, Capt. Bill Sheka or Capt. Billy Sandifer out of Corpus Christi. Out of Port Mansfield, try Capt. Charlie Buchen or Capt. Terry Neal. Out of  Arroyo City, I highly recommend Capt. Dan Coley and Capt. Rick Hartman.   Out of South Padre and Port Isabel, you can’t miss with Captains Eric Glass, Jim Stewart, Chuck Scates, Richard McInnis or Skipper Ray. Take lots of shrimp patterns and Clousers and have a great adventure. Phil Shook

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Question:

I may end up spending most of this summer in Sarajevo on business.  Are there significant opportunities for fly fishing in Bosnia?  More fundamentally, even if there is good fishing is it a reasonable thing to do, or are the chances of involuntarily aiding the demining operations too high? I was also wondering about fishing in Slovenia.  I don

Question:

Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"?   One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

Response:

There are quite a few "houseboating lakes" throughout North America.  It depends on where you want to go.  Some of the top lakes are (in no particular order): Lake Cumberland – KY Lake Powell-AZ Lake of the Ozarks-MO In your area, there is: Lake Ouchita – AR Lake Travis – TX I am sure I am leaving many out, so you can check out this link to find more "houseboating lakes" http://www.houseboatingworld.com/lake2.htm Thanks, Tim Gottschalk http://www.houseboatingworld.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"? One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

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I’ve been going to Cumberland Lake in Kentucky for last several years with 10-12 other guys for 4 days and 3 nights. This year took the wives (5 couples) and had best time of all. We rented a 64′ houseboat (they have several different models) and paid $1350 total including the fuel and another $100/couple for food &fuel for 3 speed/ski boats. For about $400/ couple you couldn’t do anything else so much fun and relaxing. Almost no houses in sight, just mountain sides all way around with over 1250 miles of natural shorline. Just so happens I have the brochure here in front of me on my  desk to get one reserved for 2000.  You might want to check them out at http://www.statedock.com  Jerry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"? One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

Response:

Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"?   One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

Probably one of the premier houseboat rental vacations in the U.S. can be had at Lake Powell.  You mention Lake Mead as a possibility.  Mead is nice, but I would have to give a significant edge to Powell for its overwhelming scenery and top-flight houseboat rental operation.  From your location, you would drive past Lake Powell to get to Mead.  If you intend to fly to your destination, Powell has a nearby airport in Page, but airfare is somewhat expensive, like it is to most small towns. Unfortunately, summer rental rates start May 1.  Heavily discounted rates can be had prior to that date, but $1,536 will rent a 36 footer for 6 days at on-season rates.  The water will be quite chilly in May, but the ambient temperatures will be beautiful and the crowds will not have shown up yet. Go to www.visitlakepowell for an introduction and complete information on the houseboats, including rates. Russ

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Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"?   One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

Check out State Dock at Lake Cumberland 1-800-234-DOCK.  We went with three couples with kids and had a blast. I know they have a web site, but I don’t remember what it is. A search will do it. — Alan Fishwick

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Do you go to 76 Falls? Not really a place for kids thou.  We go a couple times a year just to be at the Falls. Going to be their again for Memorial Day weekend. Beautiful lake and surroundings. I tell the wife I want to pull up roots and move to Kentucky just to be closer to the lakes. Jerry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check out State Dock at Lake Cumberland 1-800-234-DOCK.  We went with three couples with kids and had a blast. I know they have a web site, but I don’t remember what it is. A search will do it. — Alan Fishwick

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All good choices, but no one has mentioned Ireland.  We have cruised the Shannon and the Shannon-Erne waterways (two trips), and enjoyed it very much.  Emerald Star Line is one of the best companies (we rented from them the second time).  We were using kind of "cabin cruiser" type boats, rather than the kind of house boats that would be found on Lake Powell. Of course, cruising the canals and rivers of France is also popular; we know people who have done that several times.  I believe that there are many waterways in Europe suitable for various kind of houseboats, including the long, skinny, and low canal boats. Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"?   One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

Response:

I along with 7 others also go to Lake Cumberland fishing for 8 days every year. We go in Oct. NOBODY around. Check out Grider Hill instead of State Dock, really great people, FINE houseboats! * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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We always stop in at Grider to get gas and watch the other boats. Seen the pic they have with a canoe going over 76 Falls? Jerry

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I along with 7 others also go to Lake Cumberland fishing for 8 days every year. We go in Oct. NOBODY around. Check out Grider Hill instead of State Dock, really great people, FINE houseboats! * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Ok, we are two couples that want to rent a houseboat next May for our vacation.  No kids, 4 careers, all we want to do is a little fishing and a lot of relaxing.  We would like to keep the cost under $1500 for the week. Where’s the best place to go?  Currently we are in Ark and TX but 2 of us commute to NC and Europe.  What’s the best lake to go "houseboating"? One says Lake of the Woods, one says Lake Mead.  I can’t find but a few web sites.  If you’ve done anything like this or have a recommendation please let me know.

I’m located on Lake of the Woods and it is a beautiful fresh water lake about 65 miles long and 35 at it’s widest point. There are several houseboat rental outfits on our Lake. I would be reluctant to recommend a houseboat rental in May on L.O.W for the simple reason that it is too early in the season. The water is very cold . We frequently still have ice on the lake around the 1st week of May. Depending on what part of May you are looking at you may find that fishing season is not open due to spawning. Temps. in the day may be nice however the evenings are still quite cold. Nope, if I was you I would stick to Lake Powell. Now if you can come up our way later in June you would have excellent fishing and warmer weather although the water temps are still quite cold. I have been on Lake of the Woods all my life. Feel free to e-mail me if your interested in any further info. on L.O.W. Rick

Response:

I have been on Lake of the Woods all my life. Feel free to e-mail me if your interested in any further info. on L.O.W.

Last time I was up there, the (what you guys call a) road going to the lake was sooo bad that I had to abandon my pop-up camper trailer along the side and come back for it later.  Beautiful area though… Steve — / / / / / /

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I have been on Lake of the Woods all my life. Feel free to e-mail me if your interested in any further info. on L.O.W. Last time I was up there, the (what you guys call a) road going to the lake was sooo bad that I had to abandon my pop-up camper trailer along the side and come back for it later.  Beautiful area though… Steve — / / /

Seems like road construction, especially on Hwy 17 (International Fall MN to Kenora Ontario) is always under construction . You make a good point though for anyone towing a boat in this area. It is not unusual to have to travel miles and miles on what used to be a paved Highway and is now gravel while under going resurfacing. Rick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – / / /

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Oh, yes, I’ve seen the pic!! When we go, in Oct. the lake is down so that when we put our bass boats in, the RAMP is a quarter mile long!! I really like Grider Hill, very pretty place, the guy that runs it is very nice, and helpful. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Question:

Woolly Buggers. Weighted, fished slow and deep… /daytripper – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What is the recommended Fly for the Winter Months in the Northeast for Brown Trout?

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I like to use a bead head green cadis larvae in PA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the recommended Fly for the Winter Months in the Northeast for Brown Trout?

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What is the recommended Fly for the Winter Months in the Northeast for Brown Trout?

Response:

There are many different patterns that are used for Browns in the Northeast.  One that I really like is the Glo-bug.  There are many Creeks that have spawnig fish such as Steelhead during the winter months.  A Glo-bug is always a good bet for winter fishing. Good Luck, Forrest Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Before you buy.

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Question:

If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

the majority of those messages have zip to do with flyfishing or tying. Much of it is aimless chit chat and worse. I subscribed for a few weeks and gave it up after my mail box was crammed full of useless drivel only a cut above spam. I am on Joe’s flyting list it is a much better group. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Ok Ralph,  I am willing to give to give Joe’s a look, what is the URL? — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh the majority of those messages have zip to do with flyfishing or tying. Much of it is aimless chit chat and worse. I subscribed for a few weeks and gave it up after my mail box was crammed full of useless drivel only a cut above spam. I am on Joe’s flyting list it is a much better group. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Ralph H schrieb in Nachricht …

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh the majority of those messages have zip to do with flyfishing or tying. Much of it is aimless chit chat and worse. I subscribed for a few weeks and gave it up after my mail box was crammed full of useless drivel only a cut above spam. I am on Joe’s flyting list it is a much better group.

Hi Ralph, I must admit I was not overly impressed with the group either. I obviously tried it about the same time as you, after an invitation to do so here on ROFF, and a lot of the mail at the time concerned  your dissatisfaction with it as I remember ! <G  You are also perfectly right about the other content, large quantity of fairly aimless or personal stuff, not all that much on fly fishing. I unsubscribed after a couple of weeks as well, without bothering to express my diappointment though, thought it would be a waste of bandwidth.  If you have an address for a good tying or fishing list I would be most  interested. Thanks and tight lines ! Mike Connor

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to subscribe I believe you simply need to send an email to Ok Ralph,  I am willing to give to give Joe’s a look, what is the URL? —

Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Thanks for the info Ralph.  I recognize the mailing list from the URL you provided.  I was subscribed to it for about a month and the only thing I received was messages from people trying to "unsubscribe".  It  was very disappointing. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – to subscribe I believe you simply need to send an email to Ok Ralph,  I am willing to give to give Joe’s a look, what is the URL? — Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Thanks for the info Ralph.  I recognize the mailing list from the URL you provided.  I was subscribed to it for about a month and the only thing I received was messages from people trying to "unsubscribe".  It  was very disappointing.

That was an anomily. Someone didn’t know how to unsubscribe, another misunderstood an economical response for terseness, and it digressed there for a bit. I’ve been on it for a few months and found it informative and easy, with even some latitude for humor (a couple duct tape jokes). Being a pretty rank beginner, I feel I can ask anything, however dumb it seems, and get a kind answer.   pete

Response:

I would like to invite each of you to join our Flyfishing and Flytying Mailing List.  We are experiencing some great traffic with some wonderful tips and tricks.  We also host a weekly irc chat session for mailing list members only.  Come join us for some great tips/tricks from such pro’s as:     Al Beatty     Neal Grose     Colin McPherson     Joyce Westphal put anything in the subject or message body area or your email.  You will be automatically subscribed. Thanks.  We look forward to having you join us JoeBoy

Response:

If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

Response:

Question:

Well is there any here? All I seem to see is a bunch of intolerant wackos stating there political beliefs! "Why can’t we all just get along?" hehe I just subscribed to this group for fly fishing advice, but I think instead I will go talk to my dad and grandpa instead. Thanks for giving me the idea! Mike

Response:

Well is there any here? All I seem to see is a bunch of intolerant wackos stating there political beliefs! "Why can’t we all just get along?" hehe I just subscribed to this group for fly fishing advice, but I think instead I will go talk to my dad and grandpa instead. Thanks for giving me the idea!

Talking to one’s parents and grandparents is always a good idea, IMO. — Charlie…

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says… Well is there any here? All I seem to see is a bunch of intolerant wackos stating there political beliefs! "Why can’t we all just get along?" hehe I just subscribed to this group for fly fishing advice, but I think instead I will go talk to my dad and grandpa instead. Thanks for giving me the idea! Mike

You are most certainly welcome. –Walt

Response:

Well is there any here? All I seem to see is a bunch of intolerant wackos stating there political beliefs! "Why can’t we all just get along?" hehe I just subscribed to this group for fly fishing advice, but I think instead I will go talk to my dad and grandpa instead. Thanks for giving me the idea! Mike

OK. Just remember….in this group, as with most others, you get out of it what you put into it. I could point out the obvious, but I refrain. If you have a ligit question, post it, and you may be suprised at the quality of the answer. There again, life is full of

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Question:

Looking for a  good campsite on a lake or river for fly fishing for trout in Denali,AK.  Will backpack a short distance to campsite.  Are there any cabins on lakes or rivers in or close by Denali that offer good fly fishing?  Thanks for your help!

Response:

Looking for a  good campsite on a lake or river for fly fishing for trout in Denali,AK.  Will backpack a short distance to campsite.  Are there any cabins on lakes or rivers in or close by Denali that offer good fly fishing?  Thanks for your help!

   I don’t guide in that area but when I was there several years ago I was told that some of the waters hold grayling but there are few if any trout in the park.

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Question:

Does anyone have information about fishing in Huatulco/Puerto Escondido, Mexico area? I am planning a trip for mid august, but the only problem is, with less then a month left, I still have no idea what to expect. I will only be able to bring a 7/8 weight, and I will probably fish the bays in Huatulco and Puerto Angel….any other hot spots in the area???? I need to know what kind of fish are availible to me, and of course what flies (specific patterns?) or type of flies (shrimp? baitfish?) and what sizes i should tie them in….also handy would be possibly guide recommendations and leader strengths? Actually, any information at all would be great! I just need all the help I can get! Anyway, if you have any ideas, please either email me OR reply to this message!                                 Thanks in advance,                                 Scott

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have information about fishing in Huatulco/Puerto Escondido, Mexico area? I am planning a trip for mid august, but the only problem is, with less then a month left, I still have no idea what to expect. I will only be able to bring a 7/8 weight, and I will probably fish the bays in Huatulco and Puerto Angel….any other hot spots in the area???? I need to know what kind of fish are availible to me, and of course what flies (specific patterns?) or type of flies (shrimp? baitfish?) and what sizes i should tie them in….also handy would be possibly guide recommendations and leader strengths? Actually, any information at all would be great! I just need all the help I can get! Anyway, if you have any ideas, please either email me OR reply to this message!                                Thanks in advance,                                Scott

You can find some information about fishing in Huatulco and Puerto Angel on my web page.  You can start with http://www.eden.com/~tomzap/hfishing.html Tom Penick             Web page:             Austin, Texas            http://www.eden.com/~tomzap

Response:

Question:

I have been very interested in the "Dropping deer in their tracks" thread, even though I haven’t dropped a standing deer instantly. However, one time I was lucky enough to shoot a muley laying in his bed.   He just lowered his head to the ground at the 250 yd. shot and expired.   Of course, he was completely at rest and unaware of my presence.    Both lungs were penetrated and the top of the heart. I’ve rarely been able to recover a 30.06 bullet from a deer, but the bullet was laying on the ground underneath the juniper chaff on the other side of the deer’s bed.  I was able to find it by following the furrow in the chaff.   I would be very interested to hear of any similar results. Incidently, the 3×5 buck was in full velvet, which is very unusual in Oregon’s rifle season (early October).   Turns out, his scrotum was empty.   Was this technically a "cactus buck" that never would have shed his antlers? Thanks in advance for any responses, Ed in Oregon

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one time I was lucky enough to shoot a muley laying in his bed.   He just lowered his head to the ground at the 250 yd. shot and expired.   Of course, he was completely at rest and unaware of my presence.    Both lungs were penetrated and the top of the heart. I’ve rarely been able to recover a 30.06 bullet from a deer, but the bullet was laying on the ground underneath the juniper chaff on the other side of the deer’s bed.  I was able to find it by following the furrow in the chaff.   I would be very interested to hear of any similar results.

Season before last, I hunted Nevada for mule deer and was able to stalk within 110 yards of a sleeping buck in completely open country. The strong, noisy wind covered any noise I made and kept my scent away from the buck’s bed. This buck had his head on the ground, fast asleep. I’ve never seen this before. Since I had as much time as I wanted to shoot, and there was no escape for the buck if I missed my mark, I shot him in the spine about six inches below the skull and he never moved–until a minute later when he gave one reflexive kick of a hind leg. I recovered the Fail Safe bullet from my 7 Mag in the soil behind the buck. The petals had broken off, but the exit wound was a square hole indicating the petals had broken off in the dirt. The bullet retained 85% of its weight, but it’s nominal diameter was caliber size with the petals off. Most mulies I’ve shot in their bed had their heads up and were awake if not alert. Most tumble or roll then stand and run a bit. These, of course, were shot in the chest. Many more, magically disappear sometime during my stalk. I’ve a good tale of one I shot in his bed (a little too far away) on my CD-ROM that I won’t tell here. Which reminds me…   …I recently swapped one of my CDs for one on fly fishing with a guy who was selling it. I must say I was very disappointed in his product. It had no sound or animation, few graphics, little interactivity, and not as much info as I had hoped, and only ran on Windows–not a good advertisement for CDs in general. But it made me feel good about my effort.  :-) Get the CD-ROM "Tim Calvin’s Hunting the West" Call me to order with VISA/MC, 1-800-215-9045. Price: $59.95 plus $1.24 postage. CA residents must add $4.35 tax.

Response:

I have been very interested in the "Dropping deer in their tracks" thread, even though I haven’t dropped a standing deer instantly.

{snip an interesting story} …   I would be very interested to hear of any similar results.

I was hunting in around Mt Adams, one time, when I noticed fresh tracks entering a laurel thicket.  I circled the thicket (about a 1/2 mile trek) and did not see the tracks leave the thicket.  I followed the tracks into the thicket and found him sound asleep in the center.  He looked so pretty, I sat down and watched him for awhile.  Finally, I reached over my head and broke a branch.  I think that deer turned full around and started running while still in mid-air.  I was laughing so hard I couldn’t have shot him, even if I’d wanted to.  It took me two more days to find a deer willing to go home with me.  ;-) Bob **** Armed and Safe(tm) **** **** www.ivic.net/~ecr  ****

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Question:

So now you know you must either dress the hook with thread, or you must not.  Hmmmmm.  Well, I guess that eventually becomes a matter of personal preference.  I prefer to have a thread base whether I’m spinning the hair (as with a Muddler head) or not (as with a Try-It or Caddis).  It has been my experience that I get a bit more control. If the problem you are having is with the spinning of the hair to distribute around the hook shank, then practice is the best answer.  Use a small clump of hair, warp the thread arond the hair and hook, all the way.  Then continue over the top and down the far side.  On your way down, tighten down on the thread, and release the hair from your (usually left) hand.  This USUALLY will draw the hair around the hook. An important part of making a Muddler head is to pack the hair backwards – away from the eye of the hook, and build it up a little bunch at a time.  It is generally sufficient to push it with your thunmbnail and index finger.  Then you can trim it as you see fit after the head is all roughed in and the thread is tied off. G’Luck Bob Lundy IWFFC Mississauga

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I’m a beginning tyer who has been having trouble with making muddlers.   I’m hung up on the deer hair – have been having a hard time getting the hair to make that funky head.  ANy suggestions? THanks, JOnathan Vlaming Duluth, Minnesota (woke up to -43 today, WITHOUT the windchill!!)

I think we’ve all been there. It really helps to watch someone who’s good at it. If you don’t know anyone, try getting a video. I have heard people suggest the Jimmy Nix bass bug video  but I have not watched it. The Jack Dennis video, "Tying Western Trout Flys" has some good Information on different types of hair and what they are good for. Make sure you clean out all of the fuzz and any short hairs with a comb or your scissor points. I use larger bunches of hair than most people suggest. I also leave the hook shank bare under the head area. Good luck, Jay Whitworth

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With all the good advice given, someone forgot to mention combing out the fuzz from the hair before you spin it.  You don’t have to get it all, just use a comb or scissor points or even your fingers to get most of it out.   This helps the spinning process considerably. Rob Gregoire Dallas, Tx

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I’m a beginning tyer who has been having trouble with making muddlers.   I’m hung up on the deer hair – have been having a hard time getting the hair to make that funky head.  ANy suggestions? THanks, JOnathan Vlaming Duluth, Minnesota (woke up to -43 today, WITHOUT the windchill!!)

Hi Jonathan-    A cool trick is to wet the deer hair the let it get *almost* dry. It will spin and flair with ease. OK, well almost. Trick #2 is to trim with a razor blade rather than scissors. Trick #3 is to hit the head with a butane lighter or propane torch (lightly). It will burn all the stray hair even with the base head. Trick #4, have your wife tie it.    Tight heads, Ralph —

Response:

With all the good advice given, someone forgot to mention combing out the fuzz from the hair before you spin it.  You don’t have to get it all, just use a comb or scissor points or even your fingers to get most of it out.   This helps the spinning process considerably. Rob Gregoire Dallas, Tx

Take a run down to your local drug store, go to the cosmetics section and pick up an eyebrow comb… I got the one with metal teeth… real tight and does a great job on removing the fuzz from deer hair.

Response:

The hair you select is important.  Choose hair that is not brittle, such as coastal hair.  Spin it with a soft loop, then a tighter loop and finally a tight loop.  The last loop should spin the hair.  Pack it tight and start again until you get the head you are looking for.  Spinning hair is not easy to learn. I suggest you rent a good video or take a leson. Good luck!

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Take a run down to your local drug store, go to the cosmetics section and pick up an eyebrow comb… I got the one with metal teeth… real tight and does a great job on removing the fuzz from deer hair.

Might also show up under the moniker of "mustache comb".  I use one (for fly tying) and am able to report it works quite well! Charley

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With all the good advice given, someone forgot to mention combing out the fuzz from the hair before you spin it.  You don’t have to get it all, just use a comb or scissor points or even your fingers to get most of it out.   This helps the spinning process considerably. Rob Gregoire Dallas, Tx Take a run down to your local drug store, go to the cosmetics section and pick up an eyebrow comb… I got the one with metal teeth… real tight and does a great job on removing the fuzz from deer hair.

Static electricity is also a problem when working with any animal hair.   I use Static Guard to remove that problem.  You can find it in most super markets in the detergent/soap area. Good Luck Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (catalog avail)

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Recently viewed two videos by Chris Helm (Hooked on Fly Tying series). Chris answers most questions one could have about stacking and spinning deer hair.  Also, Dave Whitlock’s video on bass flies is quite a work. Between them, a tyer should have no trouble tying deer hair patterns for trout or bass.   VA Angler

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I’ve enjoyed reading about various  techniques to improve spinning deer hair.  Has anyone tried STACKING deer hair?    I prefer this method over spinning. It allows me to segment the color of the bass bug I’m tying (white underneath, green on top).   You can create a very realistic fly.  Comments?

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writes: Has anyone tried STACKING deer hair?    I prefer this method over spinning. It allows me to segment the color of the bass bug I’m tying (white underneath, green on top).   You can create a very realistic fly.  Comments?

As the saying goes,"You Betcha!"  You can see some good examples of the technique on Jimmy Nix’s Tying Bass Flies or Dave Whitlock’s 2 tape set. If you get a chance to see Mark Hoesner (sp?) at any of the shows, stop and watch as he is amazing.                                          Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Just as a side note… Deer hair isn’t really hollow, its more a function of the number of air pockets that are in the hair. The hair on the back of the animal is less "hollow" than on the belly due to this feature of air pockets. I find that the belly hair is better for bass bug bodies and the back hair is better for collars. I really stay away from deer hair for caddis and use elk hair because even the worst deer hair still flares too much for my taste. Charles (Chuck) Abbott      The MITRE Corporation "There is not a single blackfly in the Adirondacks. All are married and have large families." Henry Wells

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Both of the other posters have given excellent advise. If however, you still have trouble, get this video- "Tying Bass flies with Jimmy Nix". The man REALLY knows how to teach it. Good luck. — Phil Koenig Manhattan Custom Tackle Ltd. http://fishdoc.com./ "I’m the boss,so WHATEVER I say is OK"

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a beginning tyer who has been having trouble with making muddlers.   I’m hung up on the deer hair – have been having a hard time getting the hair to make that funky head.  ANy suggestions? THanks, JOnathan Vlaming Duluth, Minnesota (woke up to -43 today, WITHOUT the windchill!!) OK, first pay close attention to the deer hair you’re using. The deer hair must be hollow, that crucial. You can try your deer hair when you push with your finger nail onto some deer hairs. If they spread very well -use it, if not- use it for deer hair caddis. BTW, the best hair for spinning is Caribou, try it (especially if you start tying Irresistibles). Another problem might be the thread – If you change from 8/0 to 6/0 you will less likely break the tread. I usually wind a base of thread before I spin the deer hair (before you start spinning the deer hair make one half hitch just in case you brake the tread). Take a small (!) bunch of deer hair, hold it onto the hook and make one tread turn and then pull it tight and make another turn exactly on top of the first- the deer hair will spread around the hook. Push the hair bach to the shank and make one half hitch (just in case you break the tread) and tie in the next bunch of Caribou. After you spinned enough deer hair whip finish (or make two half hitches- you can do the latter faster and it is equaly stable). Trim the hair with a razor blade. I don’t use a hair stacker for the deer hair (for the first bunch of deer hair you can if you like). I usually take a bunch and take out very long hairs, then I hold the bunch at the tip and pull out very short hairs and underfur. That is simply faster and it looks more natural to me. If you tie in the deer hair close to the base it spinns easier! Hope that helps               Thomas

Forgot to mention two things: The best introduction how to work with deer hair is probably in the WESTERN FLY TYING MANUAL VOL. II b= y Jack Dennis (revised edition!). One tip of Jack is: tie at least on dozen of each fly, with tying only two or three you won’t get = it- don’t be frustrated (I can confirm by myself, it works only this way: tie at least one or two dozen- the only way to get real go= od flies and to improve speed).                   Thomas – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ——                                         /                       Harvard University                                                / Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology                     / 16 Divinity Ave.                                                / Cambridge, MA 02138                                            / Tel: (USA) 617 495 3716                                       / Fax:  (USA)  617 495 9300                                 O  /                                                          |_/o                                                        / | _______

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I had the same hangup when I started.  I found that the thread and packer were key to success with deer hair.  First, a good strong thread (kevlar if you can afford the bulk) was critical for me as a beginner.  A descent packer helped, too – especially when using the heavier threads.  Lastly, try trimming with a razor if you’re not doing so already.  I’ve found the razor yeilds a much better shape when all is said and done. — Ray Anderson Fall River MA  USA "Imagination is more important than knowledge." –  Albert Einstein

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I’m a beginning tyer who has been having trouble with making muddlers.   I’m hung up on the deer hair – have been having a hard time getting the hair to make that funky head.  ANy suggestions? THanks, JOnathan Vlaming Duluth, Minnesota (woke up to -43 today, WITHOUT the windchill!!)

OK, first pay close attention to the deer hair you’re using. The deer hair must be hollow, that crucial. You can try your deer hair when you push with your finger nail onto some deer hairs. If they spread very well -use it, if not- use it for deer hair caddis. BTW, the best hair for spinning is Caribou, try it (especially if you start tying Irresistibles). Another problem might be the thread – If you change from 8/0 to 6/0 you will less likely break the tread. I usually wind a base of thread before I spin the deer hair (before you start spinning the deer hair make one half hitch just in case you brake the tread). Take a small (!) bunch of deer hair, hold it onto the hook and make one tread turn and then pull it tight and make another turn exactly on top of the first- the deer hair will spread around the hook. Push the hair bach to the shank and make one half hitch (just in case you break the tread) and tie in the next bunch of Caribou. After you spinned enough deer hair whip finish (or make two half hitches- you can do the latter faster and it is equaly stable). Trim the hair with a razor blade. I don’t use a hair stacker for the deer hair (for the first bunch of deer hair you can if you like). I usually take a bunch and take out very long hairs, then I hold the bunch at the tip and pull out very short hairs and underfur. That is simply faster and it looks more natural to me. If you tie in the deer hair close to the base it spinns easier! Hope that helps                Thomas ——                                          /                       Harvard University                                                / Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology                     / 16 Divinity Ave.                                                / Cambridge, MA 02138                                            / Tel: (USA) 617 495 3716                                       / Fax:  (USA)  617 495 9300                                 O  /                                                           |_/o                                                         / | _______

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I’m a beginning tyer who has been having trouble with making muddlers.   I’m hung up on the deer hair – have been having a hard time getting the hair to make that funky head.  ANy suggestions? THanks, JOnathan Vlaming Duluth, Minnesota (woke up to -43 today, WITHOUT the windchill!!)

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Try Fly & Field at http://www.flyfield.com. e-mail them and ask about Chris Helm’s deer hair products. He sorts the various hair from various species to get you just the stuff you need for the particular job. Todd

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I’m a beginning tyer who has been having trouble with making muddlers.   I’m hung up on the deer hair – have been having a hard time getting the hair to make that funky head.  ANy suggestions?

Practice if necessary with thread strong enough never to break; and be sure to comb out all fluff from hair butts first. Place a pinch (no more than will fit in a .22 shell case) of aligned hair across the naked hook shank (i.e. no thread base at all) and secure with two loose turns of thread.  Then pull gradually but quite hard, to spin thread around the hook while you tighten. If OK, keep tension on thread while you shove everything rearward with thumbnail(s) — not too much — and then spin on some more.  Only experience will indicate how much hair to use.  Sparse heads sink better, massive heads float better. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Hi, I see another person steered you toward Chris Helm — he did you a real favour.  Chris has some great hair and you can reach him at 419-474-2348. His business is called White Tail Supplies or something like that. Just tell Chris what you need the hair for and he will make sure you get the right stuff. A tip: If you decide to go to a fly shop instead of calling Chris be sure to look for hair (in the packages, of course) that is basically light grey rather than dark grey.  The light grey hair will spin into a very nice muddler head BUT the dark grey hair will NOT. Good Luck! Al Beatty

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donald thanks for the advise as I am haveing the same problem. I am new to fly tying, and fishing, I just started flyfishing here in northern alberta, some very good streams, just have to learn how to catch some fish keith wyman

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