Gresham's Instigator

[PeteCz]

Originally Posted by Kytroutbum

I usually use a hackle guage when purchasing hackle. Whiting 100's while an excellent buy usually run a size larger. I find that size 16's might actually be a size 14.

Kytb,

That's strange, I've actually found the opposite. According to my Griffin Hackle Gauge, most of the Whiting 100s that I have purchased are actually a size smaller than they are graded. Most of the 14s I have purchased are actually closer to 16 than 14...it maybe the gauge. Regardless, BRF you should always gauge your hackles as you are tying. Sometimes the long hackle feathers end up being two different sizes as you progress through the feather, so make sure you keep gauging as you tie each fly.

[MickinMS]

I would think that if the trout is dumb.... er....hungry enough to hit the indicator, it is not going to critique the size of the hackle!

[BlueRaiderFan]

Originally Posted by MickinMS

I would think that if the trout is dumb.... er....hungry enough to hit the indicator, it is not going to critique the size of the hackle!

Good point! I would like to try and be as technically correct as possible. I wish I lived near LRO. I could take their class. I get in to LRO a few times a year, but don't have time to tie flies while I'm busy trying to catch fish They may have just been slapping at my indicator, but I did see one take it in his mouth, so I figure it's worth a shot. I should have been fishing streamers that day anyway

[MickinMS]

I have fished a tailwater in Arkansas where the fish would hit little foam indicators. I always assumed they thought they were eggs!

As for your fly, technically the hackle is a little long. There are a lot of good fly tying info on the web. Just keep trying and tying. I think the worst thing you can do when you are starting out is try to be too perfect. Remember, fish have really small brains. If it looks buggy they will eat it!

[BlueRaiderFan]

Yeah, I've picked up a lot on youtube, but I've noticed they leave out a lot of stuff that you guys mention on here,so taking a class would be nice.

[bigpopper]

BRF,
Nice lookin fly! Bet that will brig 'em down! Good Luck!

[BlueRaiderFan]

Originally Posted by bigpopper

BRF,
Nice lookin fly! Bet that will brig 'em down! Good Luck!

Ha! I doubt it, but it's fun to try these things to see what will happen.