Popper Swap

[kelkay]

I could get in on this, since I haven't tied any poppers in quite some time. The only reason I would even consider it is because the long time frame, in order to get them done. Does it have to be foam poppers? I was thinking of doing balsa wood poppers. They take an awful long time for me to sand, and get the body work done. But if y'all don't mind, I can do some. (I don't keep up with the swap section, so I didn't realize this topic came up, sorry about that)

[swirlchaser]

Originally Posted by kelkay

I could get in on this, since I haven't tied any poppers in quite some time. The only reason I would even consider it is because the long time frame, in order to get them done. Does it have to be foam poppers? I was thinking of doing balsa wood poppers. They take an awful long time for me to sand, and get the body work done. But if y'all don't mind, I can do some. (I don't keep up with the swap section, so I didn't realize this topic came up, sorry about that)

Doesn't have to be foam, mine will be spun deer hair. As long as it floats and catches fish I'll fish it.

[peregrines]

Kelly (Kelkay) Balsa poppers would be great, glad to have you in this one.

Gatortransplant also confirmed he's in by PM so with Kelly we're now up to 9 swappers.

[kelkay]

Wow, I may have to cut some more balsa. I only have 12 pieces cut...I was gonna make extra in case the paint looked like crud on a few.

[gatortransplant]

So I am BRAND NEW to spinning deer hair, not to mention all tying, but I tried some out today in between grading papers just to see what I could do. What I learned is I REALLY have to get a pair of nice scissors and some of those bendable double-sided razor blades to trim the deer hair. I'm still undecided on what exactly I want to do for the swap, but here's some practice, all criticism welcome! I trimmed these down using a broadhead blade and a large pair of scissors...
The only elements missing in the picture of the first is a flatter bottom (the design shown I assume would cause the popper to roll on its side) and a pair of eyes, which I think i will add using deer hair next time.

The second (the first I tied) is going for more of the Dahlberg Diver style.

Apologies for the photo quality, but it shows the flaws in the the flies well enough, and that's what I'm going for

[swirlchaser]

They look good. I actually have trouble using the razor blade. The last time I was in the ER getting stiches I "borrowed" two pairs of scissors for the suture kit. Sharp tips and they trim hair pretty well

[gatortransplant]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get a nice pair of scissors so that thd poppers I send to you guys actually look alright

[mcnerney]

Mark: I'd like to give this a try, I've never tied Poppers but did a little smallmouth fishing this past summer so it should be fun to use some Poppers from the swap next spring. My fly tying supplies are up in Pinedale with the girlfriend so it will be a challenge but the extension on the due date should make it workable. Right now I haven't a clue what to tie, but will keep you posted.

Larry

[gatortransplant]

Larry, I have no idea what I'm tying either so I'm right there with you! Depending on water access, I'll be testing a few colors and patterns and seeing what I like best I'll also take requests, but no guarantees on being able to tie it!

[peregrines]

Great Larry, glad to have you in on this.

Gator nice job on those deerhair bugs-- spinning hair isn't an easy technique for someone that's just starting out tying, but it looks like you pulled it off--- Nice job!