New Product for Fly Tyers

A couple years ago, I had an idea for storing fly tying materials. After getting my web site running, I decided to bring my idea to fruition. I did patent searches, and didn't find the idea out there. I then contacted a patent lawyer and started the patent process.

This idea is now patent pending, and I actually picked up product from a manufacturer. The invention is a new zip lock plastic bag with zippers on both ends. The bag is made for storing materials that have a prominent grain, such as hackles, saddles, and flash. The material doesn't have to be pulled against the grain when removing or inserting into the bag -- just open the other side. For more information, please check my website. The product name is ZDO feather / craft bags. ZDO -- Zippered Double Opening.

Favorite Equipment, Brands, and Why?

What is your favorite brand fly reel, fly rod, terminal gear, etc... and why?

Fly Rod: I'm going with my home state, and choosing St. Croix's Legend Ultra. I have a 7'6" 2-weight, and a 9' 7-weight. I absolutely adore both. The Legend Ultra is a fast rod, and really casts the line. I overline the 2-weight with 3-weight double taper, but it still casts pretty fast. I once had a 8'6" 5-weight St. Croix Avid, which was a nice rod, but a little mushy for me.

Fly Line: Rio or Orvis Wonderline Advantage. Rio does not seem to have as much coil memory, but Wonderline is extremely slippery and low maintenance. Right now, I have Rio for both 3(2) and 7-weight's. The 3-weight is double taper floating and is great for casting light dry flies. It works well for nymphs, but a little light for streamers. Furled leaders help with heavier flies. The 7-weight is Weight forward floating. The weight forward works great for heavier flies, hence the 7-weight. This is a situation where furled leaders really help with lighter flies.

Leaders: See my site -- Furled leaders.

Tippet: Orvis Super Strong. Strong and supple. Well priced.

Reel: Ross Reels -- Rhythm 1, and 3.5. I had an Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock III, and a St. Croix Bar Stock Legend 3/4. Now, before I go any further, the reel is the least important item for spring creek fly fishing. For salmon and steelhead? That's a different situation. What is important is to get a reel with light startup drag, to protect the tippet from hard takes. The Orvis BBS and St. Croix Legend were fine reels, but I wanted a larger arbor for my 7-weight. I purchased the Ross Rhythm 3.5, and liked it so much, I needlessly purchased a Ross Rhythm 1 for my 2-weight. Awesome reels that are hardy, light, and have the softest startup drag of any I tried. The 3.5 has a heart that can stop a truck. Try one.

Tips and Tricks...

Fly Floatant: Go to your local drug store and get a jar of Albolene cleanser -- unscented. This product has the same basic ingredients as Frog's Fanny and Gink, and will last a lifetime.

Whip Finishing a Fly: I happened upon a trick for keeping the wings and hackle away while whip finishing -- cut a small diameter straw to about 1/4 inch long and slip it over the bobbin before starting the fly. When ready to whip finish, slip the straw off the bobbin and onto the hook, pushing the hackle and wings back. Whip finish the fly. Nice clean heads every time.

Tying/Dubbing Wax: Go to your local hardware store and purchase a bee's wax toilet seal. Works great for dubbing, and a little bit goes a long way.

Furled Leaders

Why?

Don't we have too many choices in termainal gear as it is? Exactly! Personally, I use FL's because they simplify my fly fishing. I may carry two leaders with me to the stream, and all I buy now are spools of tippet.

FL's provide excellent fly turnover and steath. Dry flies land like a natural.

FL's are strong, easy to remove wind knots, and last at least a whole season. Fluorocarbon FL's will last many seasons.

For salmon and steelhead, I use a fluorocarbon FL, with a Bimini twist tippet. The tippet is usually 10 lb, and constructed from Maxima (R) or fluorocarbon. Wears like iron.