My first tied fly....

[fire instructor]

Actually, my third, but the first two went in the trash can, as I was struggling to learn some basics on my own. Just in-case it's not recognizable (I hope that it is!), it's a Wolly Bugger, tied per Charlie Craven's instructions (hackle tied from eye back to bend).

Here's what I used:

Hook: #8 Tiemco 5263
Weight: .025" lead wire
Thread: Black 3/0 Monocord
Tail: Black Marabou
Flash: Several strands of Root Beer / Pearl Krystal Flash
Rib: Copper Ultra-wire - medium
Body: Medium Black Chenille
Hackle: Died Brown "Bugger Pack"

Certainly not a "pro" tying job, but one that I'll try to fish, come Spring!

Couldn't have gotten this far without all of the tips, suggestions, and encouragement that I've gotten from this forum. Thank you all for welcoming me into your group!

And yes, I'll be starting a real tying class NEXT week... but I couldn't wait!!!

 

[seajay]

Looks awsome.:thmbup: So you are teaching the class,your students should do well.

 

[whalensdad]

Nice Job! That should catch some fish

WD

 

[Ard]

And so you're on your way I see. You've got a much better start than mine were!

Ard

 

[auntrout]

Looks great. Can't beat catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself.

 

[fire instructor]

Thanks, Folks! Like I've said teaching firefighters, positive reinforcement always improves performances.

Looks awsome.:thmbup: So you are teaching the class,your students should do well.

Seajay - I can teach any number of knots and rescue rigging, but all in ropes ranging from 7mm cord to 1/2" static kernmantle. This fine stuff is all new to me! And I trashed the first two attempts because I kept breaking the 3/0 (because I was either pulling too hard or not holding the bobbin correctly?). Can't wait to see how I do wth the smaller 6/0 or 8/0....

 

[mcnerney]

Great start! That will definitely catch fish, but you might consider hanging onto that fly, years from now you can look back on that so it will be nice to keep in a safe place. Working through Charlie Craven's instruction is a good place to begin.

 

[bruce m]

That's a great job, keep that up and you'll be catching a lot of fish .

 

[littledavid123]

Breaking the thread is all part of the learning process... And the wooly bigger will catch fish, good job.

Dave

 

[Pocono]

Yup, looks like a great first fly to me. And I agree with the other posters - that fly will catch fish for you.

You'll get to like 6/0 and 8/0 a lot once you get the feel for how much tension you can put on the thread.

If you tie up 3 more, I think you'll really be smiling ear-to-ear.

Pocono

 

[Ard]

Pocono has that right, I can crank about anything I tie together using 8/0 thread.

 

[kayo]

Ok, I don't want to be critical, but cut the hackle to the size of the hook

 

[futuramille]

Nice start for sure. After you do a dozen of them you will be saying "cool, what's next". A+

 

[Guest1]

Great start. I agree with Larry. While that fly will catch fish, you may want to hang on to it.

 

[team_fishbusters]

Ok, I don't want to be critical, but cut the hackle to the size of the hook

Other than this I agree that it's a fine looking fly. Welcome to the addiction!

 

[fire instructor]

Ok, I don't want to be critical, but cut the hackle to the size of the hook

Length of the hackle should be the same length of the hook? If not, what should I be measuring?



Thanks for the constructives! That's the only way that I'll get better!!! (along with some practice!!)

 

[jpbfly]

Good job Rick:thumbsup:...will catch fish...you can also turn he hackle closer to the head

 

[kayo]

A rough rule of thum with hackles should be 1.5 times the hook gap. But that can vary on tiny and extra long hooks.

 

[fire instructor]

Thanks, Kayo! I get it now.... smaller feather! Should I /can I effectively trim the hackle, or should I just learn from this, and select a smaller feather next time?

 

[kayo]

I would leave it as is and fish it as a streamer.