Bonefish Fly Swap?

[Smcdermott]

Anyone interested in a bonefish fly swap? I would be happy to meister. I have to admit to a selfish interest in this (I have my first trip planned in May). Based on interest we can figure out the rules and timing but I am thinking limit of ten participants and a due date in Mid Feb.

Sean

[striblue]

Sean...I would join in....

[ChemFly]

I would like to participate.
Count me in.
--127-3-

[Pucho]

count me in with some slamaroos
Pucho --127-3-

[ChemFly]

I've got a killer Bonefish Bunny pattern.

[Smcdermott]

Well, that's four including me. I will continue to update this thread.

Sean

[AlderBrookFarm]

OK, O'Keefe's Bonefish Critter from Ververka's book, Innovative Saltwater Flies. No dilly dallying now...I'm headed south 2nd week of March and I want to put them to the test.

[jjonas]

Yeah, I would be interested in this. I am planning a trip to Abaco in May, so I am definitely in the mood and already tying for it.

Jason

[ChemFly]

I'm heading down to Andros the end of March for 8 days. (#$121)

[Smcdermott]

Ok, so here is the list as it stands now. To accomodate AlderBrookFarm lets say flies need to be in the mail to me by Feb. 16th. Lets each tie 10 flies. If we get less than ten participants I will divide up the extras so you get ten flies back. I will PM each participant my address. Please follow the FLY SWAP FAQ as much as possible. I will also post pictures of each fly.

1. SMcDermott
2. Striblue
3. ChemFlyFish
4. Pucho
5. AlderBrookFarm
6. jjonas
7. Widdoes
8. Marshrunner
9. Quicksilver
10. Flytyer

Sean

[widdoes]

I do a fair impression of a mini pink puff- a Yucatan killer. Or a gotcha, and this screwy little thing based on a Brewer's amber.
Anywho, I'm in.
Wild John

[Smcdermott]

Ok with Widdoes that makes 7.

Wild John,

I am all for the Brewer's Amber variation. I think we all probably have a number of Gotcha's and Mini-puffs in our boxes but all is welcome either way.

JJonas,

Where to in Abaco? I am headed to Sandy Point May 1-8.

Sean

[Marshrunner]

I'll bite. I'll tie up and send an interesting new pattern sent to me by a Seychelles guide that I plan to try in the Bahamas in March.

[Smcdermott]

Well, that makes 8 and only two spots left with the addition of Marshrunner. Looking forward to seeing all the flies.

Sean

[jjonas]

Sean,
Little Harbour, last two weeks of May.

Jason

[Quicksilver]

Oh my! I do the fly swap and get a fly from the Bonefish Master!!! --126-3- --126-3- --127-3- --127-3- If you have room I would like to be included. I would tie a brown and tan Merkin on a #2 or #4 hook.

[Smcdermott]

I thought that Marshrunners post might get a few new participants. One spot left.

Sean

[flytyer]

Ok, epoxy shrimp in size 4 and tan color

[Smcdermott]

That's 10. I will PM the mailing address tomorrow.

Sean

[Smcdermott]

Here is my fly for the swap. I created it today based on input from Dick Brown's book and the fly tying segment on Spanish fly this morning. Jose Wejebe mentioned the tiers name to quickly but the concept was that using corsair tubing w/o epoxy for the body allows for a great casting fly because the air can flow through it. Tied in a size 4 I am hoping this might be a great fly if there are Permit and bones in the area. Would love to hear some feedback if improvements can be made before they ship.

Sean

[Smcdermott]

I received an error when I tried to PM you my address for the swap. Let me know how you want me to send it to you.

Sean

[Pucho]

here is my fly for the bone swap, i have cougth many fish species on the flats with this pattern, i made a variation from Lenny Moffo's original pattern from the book "bonefish fly patterns" by Dick Brown, using red thread and sparse legs for more movement.
Smcdermott, nice crab pattern, i saw Jose Wajebe's show and he have some huge crab flies, almost good for boil and eat..lol :brow
please send me the add. to send my flies.
Pucho --127-3-

[Smcdermott]

Definitely liking the Slamaroo. I sent you a PM yesterday with the address. Let me know if you didn't get it for some reason.

Sean

[striblue]

Sean... This will be mine , the Sand Bandit. Do you have a drop dead due date?

[Smcdermott]

John,

To accomodate the early March trips some have I requested that all flies be in the mail to me by Monday Feb. 16th. That gave us 4 weekends to tie them up. I will get them out the following weekend as long as they all get here by then.

Sean

[jjonas]

This is what I have tied for the swap.

Sexy Sixties – Originated by Tim Tollett

This fly has all of the “super” fly stories from people who have fished it. Twice the number of fish of any in the group, bones traveling great distances for it, no refusals and the other numerous spectacular results.

I haven’t fished it yet, but look forward to trying it and though it would be a good one for a swap. The long legs will raise some eyebrows but makes this one a different fly from the norm.
Jason

[Too Fly]

Man I'm bummed. I wanted in on the bonefish fly swap.

Oh well...

[Marshrunner]

Sean,
Send me the address and I'll have the flies to you by your Feb 16 deadline. Also what is your final total on number of flies to send?

Your crab look good for profile, color, and am guessing movment will be good from your photo. May be just a bit harsh on impact for spooky fish with that size barbell. Have you drop tested in water with one size lighter barbell? Or if that much weight is needed, try winding a little dubbing around the weight to soften it's entry splash.

Some nice looking flies here.

[ChemFly]

Sean,
Send me the address and I'll have the flies to you by your Feb 16 deadline. Also what is your final total on number of flies to send?

Your crab look good for profile, color, and am guessing movment will be good from your photo. May be just a bit harsh on impact for spooky fish with that size barbell. Have you drop tested in water with one size lighter barbell? Or if that much weight is needed, try winding a little dubbing around the weight to soften it's entry splash.

Some nice looking flies here.

Sean,
Your fly should do well in deeper water, say 3-5 feet, which is where the Big Boys like to eat. I'll send you a picture of my Foxy Bone, based on a Bonefish Bunny but tyed with Arctic Fox instead of rabbit. It too is a good deepwater fly in size 4.

[Smcdermott]

Marshrunner,

Thank you for the feedback on the crab. I will do some testing tonight. The eyes are extra small lead. I sent the address via PM on Saturday so let me know if you have trouble getting it. The final count is ten.


ChemFlyFish,

Thanks for the feedback as well. Looking forward to seeing the Foxy Bone.

Sean

[jjonas]

Most popular crab patterns have more weight that is concentrated at a single point compared to shrimp or general attractor type patterns. I am assuming these crab patterns are popular because they are effective (of course that is not always the case when your catching anglers rather then fish). One reason is to get these often-bulkier flies down faster. Another less obvious reason would be to control the profile of the fly while it drops or positioned on the bottom. A cornered crab has its claws up and ready for a fight. Yet another reason would be to obtain that hopping or jigging action when striped. To obtain this profile or action you need some radical weighting. The trade off is noise of entry versus profile and action. I am in the quiet splash school. The size of the bar bells of the fly I am submitting to the swap (sexy sixties) alarms me because of the noise it will make. I didn’t alter these because I didn’t want to change the pattern from how it was shown to me and known to be effective.

Do we who are concerned (perhaps excessively) with entry noise give up too much on action or profile?

Jason

[Smcdermott]

I am very curious to hear some opinions on this matter. I can only relate to sight fishing for stripers where I have not found the splash factor to be much of an issue. I think it may be because they have no real predators on the flats and also we are typically fishing in deeper water. My issue with weight has always been one of ease of casting.

Sean

[striblue]

I agree with Sean here... for stripers I really see no issue with any splash factor unlike bonefishing... that is just my experience.

[AlderBrookFarm]

I am very curious to hear some opinions on this matter. I can only relate to sight fishing for stripers where I have not found the splash factor to be much of an issue. I think it may be because they have no real predators on the flats and also we are typically fishing in deeper water. My issue with weight has always been one of ease of casting.

Sean

No predators on the flats??? Sharks, cudas, and birds that eat fish. Flats fish are deathly afraid of overhead shadows. Once when on the flats we waited while a school of bones worked its way towards us only to have an osprey fly over which instantly sent them fleeing for their lives.

[AlderBrookFarm]

Oh ya....what do ya say we all tie 12 and let Ruge & Too Fly in?

[Smcdermott]

No predators on the flats??? Sharks, cudas, and birds that eat fish. Flats fish are deathly afraid of overhead shadows. Once when on the flats we waited while a school of bones worked its way towards us only to have an osprey fly over which instantly sent them fleeing for their lives.


Alderbrook,

I was referring to stripers not having any predators on the flats. Maybe the schoolies do from Osprey or Slammer Bluefish but not the large fish we all hope for.

Sean

[Smcdermott]

Oh ya....what do ya say we all tie 12 and let Ruge & Too Fly in?

I have no problem tying 12 but didn't want to force everyone else to since I set the limit at ten initially. I will keep track of the responses here and Too Fly and Ruge can tie up as many flies as we get "Yes" responses.

Sean

1. SMcDermott - Yes
2. Striblue - Yes
3. ChemFlyFish - Yes
4. Pucho - Yes
5. AlderBrookFarm - Yes
6. jjonas - Yes
7. Widdoes - Yes
8. Marshrunner - Yes
9. Quicksilver
10. Flytyer
11. Ruge - Yes
12. Too Fly - Yes

[ChemFly]

I profess not to being an expert in the world of Bonefish and how they respond to noise and disturbance when compared to Stripers, however, when skinny water is taken into account the Bonefish is the definition of paranoia. When fished for in very thin water, i.e. 24 inches and less, the Bonefish is an extremely nervous creature and responds accordingly to loud surface noise, in-water vibration, color and shadows. Their general response to any shift in these conditions is "I'm Outa Here!" I am learning that Bonefish are not as close to the top of the food chain as Stripers might possibly be when up on the flats. Bones are hunted for not just by humans, but by Barracuda, sharks, large Jacks and raptors. Stripers certainly have their own gauntlet to run such as seals, sharks, Bluefish and raptors. Whereas the Striper spends time up on the flats based on geographical availability, the Bonefish is genetically engineered to spend the majority of its life cycle feeding and living up on the flats in very skinny water under very clear skies. Darwinian adaptation to surroundings might be a better explanation then mine.

I am also learning that the entry of the fly, i.e. splash, into the depth of the water you are fishing is something that really has to be controlled if you want to succeed in catching Bonefish. The weight of the fly, its profile and movement all have to be taken into account when fishing extra-skinny water. Therefore you have to build the fly to match the water column conditions along with the impression of the fly looking like food. With this being said the success of the fly entering the water without spooking the fish is more important then the actual look of the fly itself. Bonefish are not picky eaters like Permit or trout (Islamorada Bonefish are the exception to the rule). If the fly projects the image of food they will usually eat it. The goal is to get the fly within range of the fish without spooking it. If the fly looks tempting to them they will usually turn on it as long as the other tennets of fly behavior are followed, i.e. not moving the fly towards them and not creating a sense of alarm within the bonefish.

One element of Bonefish patterns that I am noodling with is hook weight, size and style. Number 4 size hooks are a good all-around size for bones, however, depending on the water depth that I am fishing I might choose a Gamakatsu SC15 over a Mustad 3407 when building the fly. The SC15 has a thinner profile and a wider gap then the 3407. I also will use smaller bead-chain or even lead wire wrapped on the shank to lower the bulk weight of the fly. I also find that rabbit and artic fox creates a nice profile when under water but softens the entry of the fly.

Some pattern styles used for Stripers and Bonefish can be similar, but the weight and size of the fly must be considered in order not to spook the fish.
Can you chuck a size 2 Half and Half at a Bonefish? Sure, it just better not splash in skinny water. This same pattern fished in deeper water such as 3-5 feet in the transition zone between the reefs edge and beginning of the flats will probably do the trick, but in order for the fly to get down into this water depth in the amount of time needed to intercept a cruising Bonefish the fly must be heavier then one used in water 18 inches or less.

Bonefishing is a science and an art form, just like Striper fishing. Each fish has its own genetic behavior patterns and feeding habits that have been built in over the ages.

All this talk of bonefishing is making me itch!

[ruge13]

Wow thanks!! I am in, I will do Crazy charlies, tan and white.

Nah, Charlies might get boring. I am leaning towards Bonefish Critters....I will tie one up and get a pic tonight, see what ya'll think.

Here it is...I am going to add a few more darker feasant feathers palmered in betwen the fur to ad color and more contrast.

Basically, pheasant neck claws. pheasant hackles. 50lb mono eyes, tan craft fur. Dumbell weight. 1/0 hook

[Pucho]

I can do 2 more slamies for the swap
Pucho

[Marshrunner]

On the issue of weight/splash vs. profile, both are essential for most bonefishing, but circumstances may sometimes dictate one over the other. The thing too keep in mind is that if you have too much weight/splash, you will spook the fish, and if you have too little, you won't get down to his level in time and he'll never see it. Either way your profile won't matter. So most of the flies that produce reliably are appetizing profiles and good balances of weight/splash performance. And while weight/splash is less of an issue in deeper water, most of your good sightfishing will be in about 3 feet or less where it does matter.

I'm fine on the two additional flies. Looks like a nice group of contributors and some interesting patterns.

Dick Brown

[ChemFly]

I'm good for adding whatever the amunt of flies are required.

Marshrunner- As in THE Dick Brown the author of Bonefish Fly Patterns, Lyons Press???

[ruge13]

We could REALLY use a few tropical patterns in the tying library if anyone can take some extra time and take a few pics of your steps!!

[Quicksilver]

Wow, Marshrunner and Flytyer in one fly swap! I get a twofa! I am going to run out of wall for framed flies! --127-3- --127-3- --127-3-

[Too Fly]

I appreciate being let into this Fly Swap.

In my experiences, lots of factors contributed to whether or not Bones would feed(wind, temperature, cloud cover, predators, etc.) The weight of the fly was only a part of the equation. Though I agree with Mr. Dick Brown, a fly needs to be heavy enough to get to the bottom in time for the fish to see it. As a general rule, the skinnier the water, the lighter the fly. On the other hand, I've had fish rush in from all directions to scarf a fly that plopped loudly on the surface. You never can tell.

One very cool thing about Andros and the Bahamas in general, is that the wind will often keep water on the skinny flats at low tide, enabling fish to feed without spooking too easily. There is a very small tidal change, being so close to the equator. The guides I've fished with could not believe the change we have up here.

I've seen singles, small groups and schools of hundreds of Bones lazilly clear within inches of Lemon Sharks. Those same fish would haul @ss when a Cuda was anywhere near the edge of a flat. Cudas are so incredibly fast and stealthy. They often don't get the respect they deserve. Sharks will wait for injured or sick fish the majority of the time.

Man, the fishery and entire atmosphere is amazing down there.

I'll tie up my own version of a Gotcha. I call it the Super Silly Gotcha. Though a friend of mine and I came up with the "Stoopid Dope Fly." I'm not sure which name to go with? I've had pretty good success with this fly on the last two trips. My buddy, who goes about every other month to Andros, loves this fly. He says that it's now his go to fly. As a matter of fact, all four of the guys from this month's trip used my fly exclusively.

I do recognize that this is not my creation from scratch, but only a variation. Then again, there are so many flies out there in the same boat. I guess the saying that "there's nothing new under the sun" is true.

Paul

[striblue]

I am in for 12..is that correct?..12 instead of 10?

[Smcdermott]

I am in for 12..is that correct?..12 instead of 10?

Yes John. 12

Thank you.

Sean

[Marshrunner]

Chem Fly Fish,
Yes, that is correct.

Too Fly,
You are correct. Bones will sometimes hammer a slapped-down fly just as big Madison River trout will sometimes smack a loudly plopped hopper. And there is a reason. Just as trout know that plop signals a big chunk of protein, bones know that they will occasionaly get a shot a big snack when a Mangrove crab slips off his Mangrove-root perch and plops onto the surface of their world. But on average, the optimum weight/entry splash ratio will stack the odds in your favor on a bf flat. And that means you will need some flies that enter quietly and get down fast and some that enter quietly and fall slowly as when fish are tailing or mudding and you want them to see the fly higher in the water column.

And there is no question weight and getting down to the fish are not the only factors that determine if bf eat. In addition to the very good ones you mention (wind, temp, cloud cover, predator threat), water depth, cold fronts, prey presence, size of fish, pods vs schools, turbidity, fly profile and color, fly brightness, strip rate and pattern, and placement of fly are a few of the many others that can have a dramatic effect on bonefish.

Dick

[widdoes]

I'm in for 12 of Wild John's Amber Assassin (please forgive if this name is taken)- basically a Brewers Amber with a mallard flank tail (kinda shrimpy looking) and small brass "hourglass" eyes (sinks and casts better than bead chain, not too much "plop"- IMHO). Size 6 OK- I can do 'em in 8 too. Going to Boca Pailla (Yucatan) in April, so I'm liking the small ones.
Thanks Sean.
WJ

(edit) PS- will everbody's fly fit in a medium sized prescription bottle? A pretty safe and cheap way to ship, I think. Unless somebody's doing a size 2 Crabby Patty, in which case I'll send a Wheatley's box! (#$119)

[jjonas]

Dick,
I brought this up in the first place because although I may carry 400 or so flies, I don’t carry crab patterns with the exception of a few merkins for that mythical permit and bonefish bitters which are great in Belize but don’t match some of the larger crabs of the Bahamas. The reason being because I am so splash adverse and haven’t found a crab pattern I liked that wasn’t heavily weighted. Yes I know about those concoctions made from feathers but haven’t seen one that I felt would sink right, looked very durable or didn’t look like it was tied for fishermen and not fish. I’ve spooked a few bonefish in my time so I know that splash is important. I guess what I was thinking about was that being so splash adverse has handicapped my fly selection. Last year I spent quite a bit of time one-day studying large white crabs (about quarter size) and their movements. They were the overwhelming food source on a flat with large spooky fish. If I had a crab pattern that was close, I could have allowed a greater distance with my cast from the fish or even tried plopping the pattern right on the tailers. I caught some fish with different patterns but couldn’t really imitate that crab or it’s movement.

Jason

[Marshrunner]

Jason,

A very thoughtful post.

You are not alone in the search for a better crab. Even though I have a handful that I have some confidence in and that I've taken bones and permit on, they are not perfect. Five that I like that are in the Bonefish Fly Pattern book are Winston Moore's Bonefish Crab (similar to Jan Isley's wool crab but with glue pressed into the wool disc to compress it and let it sink better), Len Wright's Len's Hackle Merkin (a soft landing fast sinker which is incorrectly illustrated in the book--the photos of Len's Hackle Shrimp and his crab pattern were switched in production), Craig Mathew's Turneffe Crab and Bitters patterns (but you are correct, these are better Belize flies than Bahamas) and the all time producer, Del Brown's Merkin. You may want to try some of these if you haven't already and experiment with different size weights. Many sold in shops are weighted only with lead barbells, OK for deeper permit waters but too spooky for thin bonefish flats. But there are enough options in eye size and types and also new lighter and heavier hooks to explore what works for you.

I also tie a small chenille crab using two strands of the smalllest bead chain that are buried in the chenille to cushion their splash that has been somewhat successful for me and others but am tying in now on a wider gap Gamakatsu hook. It's in the same book and I think Bob Veverka's SW book as the Beady Crab.

But with that said, I still don't think we have pushed crab designs as well as the shrimp profiles. Which means there is still plenty of room for experimenting. But that's what long New England winters are for, right?

Hope that helps.

Dick

[ChemFly]

Jason,
Are you familiar with a tyer by the name of Tom McQuade lacted on St. John USVI?

I fished with him last year and he gave me a few samples of his work, which I found to be both simplistic in design and, as we all would hope, they caught fish in extremely shallow water on very educated Bonefish. Tom was featured in "Saltwater Flies" written by David Klausmeyer. I believe that David also featued his work in a back issue of Fly Tyer Magazine.

You can visit his site:
http://www.visaltwaterfly.com

His designs might be of value to all of us who are searching for that silent entry.

Jeff Weiss

[jjonas]

Dick,
Living in Montana, I got a winter of cold as well. With 3 ½ months before I am off to the Bahamas, I’ve got lots of time to experiment. Your comments and others have given me some fresh ideas. Now what if I tilted a merkin style body using tungsten sheeting strips with a splay of … well it’s all part of the fun!

Jeff,
Very interesting and something I haven’t seen before. I have some familiarity with some of McQuade patterns but very little. This is a hot lead, which is much appreciated.

Sean,
Sorry to hijack your thread with off topic stuff. I’m compulsive about design.

Jason

[Too Fly]

Wow, thanks Marshrunner for the nod at a few of the things I noted! Or should I say Dick? Or Mr. Brown? I have your book by the way. I was overwhelmed by the number of patterns in it.

All this talk of crab patterns... My first bonefish trip was to Stafford Creek Lodge. The guides there, Benry(cool as hell) and Prescott Smith(owner), scoffed when I pulled a size 4 Merkins from my fly box. "Boy, ya cyaaan't do that, that's cheatin'!"

Paul

[Smcdermott]

jjonas,

No hijacking here. I think this is what swaps should be all about. Its just a medium to exchange ideas.

I am flying blind here since all my knowledge is based on reading until May. Thanks to Mr. Brown and Mr. Kaufman I feel like I have some ideas so I am having fun fooling around at the vise. I did some testing on my crab pattern and I have to give it the thumbs down. Looked good in the vise but it creates a decent splash and worst of all even after a few tries at modifying it it wants to fall hook down. I went back to the drawing board and everything I have heard says bunny is a bones best friend. Thought of modifying a Simram to add some hackle, marabou and eyes like I had on the crab. Here is the result. Pretty good on the splash, rides hook up and nice movement to the untrained eye.

Again feedback appreciated.

Sean

[Smcdermott]

Got the first batch of flies from Jjonas today. Sweet looking stuff. Everyones in for a treat.

Sean

[Too Fly]

Sean,

That's a great looking fly. It's got both the shrimpy and crabby thing going for it. I tied a similar fly(size 4) with palmered bunny for a trip about a year ago. I had small to medium beadchain eyes on it and had problems with the fly making it to the bottom on time. The bunny made the fly bouyont. I had to thoroughly wet the fly for it to sink at all.

You might want to try a heavy hourglass style eye, though that will increase it's splash entry, etc. That's my observation, but I am not claiming to be an expert.

I bet that your fly in a larger size(say 3/0) would most certainly make a deadly Tarpon fly.

Paul

[mrschapin]

Hey folks,

Kinda late, but I was wondering if I might be able to join. I'd be happy to send 13 flies, and get back whatever number of folks tie an extra. Going away in March. If the swapmaster is getting tired of adding on/keeping track, I understand.


Cheers,
Matt

[Smcdermott]

Hey folks,

Kinda late, but I was wondering if I might be able to join. I'd be happy to send 13 flies, and get back whatever number of folks tie an extra. Going away in March. If the swapmaster is getting tired of adding on/keeping track, I understand.


Cheers,
Matt


Matt,

Hate to be a bad guy here but a few guys have mentioned they have already sent in flies and we already upped the number once (to add two Veteran Members). I will be happy to check in with you after the swap if we have extras but don't feel right asking people to up the quantity again.

Sean

[AlderBrookFarm]

Mine went out this morning.

[Smcdermott]

I will update this list as flies are received.

1. SMcDermott - Yes
2. Striblue - Yes
3. ChemFlyFish - Yes
4. Pucho - Yes
5. AlderBrookFarm - Yes
6. jjonas - Yes
7. Widdoes - Yes
8. Marshrunner - Yes
9. Quicksilver - Yes
10. Flytyer - Withdrew
11. Ruge - Yes
12. Too Fly - Yes

Sean

[Marshrunner]

Below is the recipe for the fly I'm sending Sean for the swap. Although I have not fished it yet, it intrigues me because of the interesting glow effect in the body. While it follows the profile of the traditional Charlie and Gotcha patterns, it blends Krystal Flash for an underbody to give very subtle color and flash variation with a soft glow inside the body--a trait I sometimes see in the fluorescent veins of naturals. It also features a tiny highlight created by overwrapping the head with a single strand of KF on the head. Finally, it's a quick easy tie using simple materials. Wayne says it is one of his best flies for tailing fish on sandy flats. I plan to test it out on one of my favorite Bahamian wading flats in March.

Hope you all get to try yours out somewhere soon too.

Dick


Bonefish Spider Fly

Creator:Wayne Haslau, bonefish guide

Hook: 34007 or Tiemco 811S #6

Thread: Danville mono, clear

Eyes: Brass bead chain, small

Body: V-rib or Larva Lace clear plastic body wrap tied in behind bead chain and bound by thread wraps to point above hook point. Then tie in sparse “rope” of blended Krystal Flash (1 strand orange, 2 strands pearl UV, one strand yellow) tied in at eyes and wound toward bend to cover hook shank. Wind KF rope forward building up tapered body with thickest part at bead chain. Tie off and over-wrap with plastic body wrap, keeping rounded side of wrap facing out.

Wing: Blond Craft Fur or cream Yak hair

Legs: Sili legs or centipede legs, pale tan/orange

Nose: single strand of orange Krystal Flash, tie off and clear head cement

[Smcdermott]

I received Marshrunners flies today. Pretty cool looking stuff. I had to put my glasses on to see the detail the blended flash created.

Sean

[Ryder]

Hi:
This post is a little OT hope it is OK. I don't have any to swap but would like to get some.

I'm new to fly fishing and this forum. I am going south (Roatan) for the first time with a rod. I have no idea what is best to take re flys. I have looked at some places and seen the typical collections (Cabelas.... ect). Is there a preferred supplier of flys for bonefish or an assortment and size. The fish down there are 1-3# I'm told.

Thanks-please excuse the ignorance.

Cheers
Craig Ryder

[Smcdermott]

Ryder,

Welcome and don't worry about the "newbie" questions. We were all new at this at one time. I am assuming your are new to fly fishing all together so I wish you the best of luck. I am headed on my first trip in May but here is what I have gathered so far. If you are going with a guide I would suggest going to the source and asking him what flies you should bring. If not or if the guide isn't very accomodating in that area I would suggest giving a local fly shop a call. If there isn't one in your area, Kaufman's Streamborn in Oregon is awesome. They are a very good outfitter and just about anyone you get on the phone is very knowledgeable. They offer custom fly selections based on where you are going. Based on all the reading I have done I believe you will need smaller paterns 6,8 and 10s. Cabellas is a nice option but I am a firm believer in that you get what you pay for. The few extra bucks you spend on flies will pay big dividends. After all that is the only thing the fish sees not your shiny reel right! Hope this was helpful.

Sean

[ruge13]

Ryder, Here is another suggestion....I did this a while back for some squid flies.

Just ask here if anyone has one or two lying around they might be willing to part with. You might be surprised at peoples responses. Most fly fisherman are more than willing to send along a fly or two to help you out. Maybe you will get none, who knows but its worth a shot and the tyers here are top notch from anything I have ever seen!! Anyway, just a thought, good luck with the trip! Don't worry about the newby questions. I did a search on my own a while back looking at some early stuff I posted. I just sat there and shook my head at some of my questions. But always had a great response here!

[Too Fly]

I'll tie a couple extra.

Paul

[ChemFly]

My flies are shipping out tomorrow, so I'll toss a few extras in for luck! --127-3-

[Smcdermott]

Ryder,

Looks like you have a head start on filling your box. I will toss in a few Gotcha's and Bitters myself. Send me your address via PM and I will package up any extra flies I receive for you.

Sean

[Marshrunner]

Ryder,
A lot of excellent advice here for you. I suggest you take small # 6 Gotcha's with standard blond wing and maybe a few with orange wings. Also take some very light flies # 6 flies that sink slowly like the Baited Breath pattern for tailing fish.
Send me your address and I'll send you a couple to take with you.

Dick

[ruge13]

Forgot to mention, I will throw a couple of mine in too. They are a #4 though, might be a little large from what these guys are saying...but you are welcome to them.

[Ryder]

I'm mortified!! Thanks for the kind offers! :brow

My wife told me it would take every guy on this forum to get me to catch a bonefish and so I still might do it!(hehe)

Anyway, I'd love to see custom flys just to see em.(next thing you know I'll be ordering one of them fancy vices) and if you have the time my address is:

[ :confused: Address has been removed per suggestion from Mark
I tried to contact those above
If you need my address drop me an email.
Thanks much!!]


A toast to you all! :-%

Cheers and Thanks
:cool: (that's me with my new turbo-polarized ,$800, custom, TiGr (Titanium-Graphite), salt-water shades-Bonefish Beware!) Only trouble is that I can no longer afford a rod!
Craig Ryder

[Too Fly]

Ryder,

I know the shades you speak of. You forgot to mention that they've got x-ray capablilities. :brow Of course, never tell the wife that. (#$110) I'm still saving up for a pair myself.

By the way, welcome to the site.

Paul

[Mark Cahill]

That's us...making wifes eat their words and sending guys to a life on the couch since 1995...

Just a word of warning...you'll want to come back and edit out your address after a day or so. I'll forget and you don't want that hanging out on the Internet lest you be assaulted by the Watchtower Crowd, offers for free viagra, lengthing your johnson, etc. Hold it, maybe you're wife won't be that annoyed after all.

:-%

[striblue]

Sean...Mine were mailed today...I enclosed a self addressed stamped padded envelope in the package as well...Thanks

[Smcdermott]

Sean...Mine were mailed today...I enclosed a self addressed stamped padded envelope in the package as well...Thanks


Thanks John.

Received AlderbrookFarms package as well.

Keep them coming.

Sean

[Smcdermott]

Received the flies from Chemflyfish today. Keep them coming.

Sean

[Smcdermott]

Received Striblue's and Ruge's flies today. Two very nice ties. Ruge is that an original? Very cool looking.

[ruge13]

kinda, sorta, not really. Its a standard Bonefish critter, but I took out the ice chanille, and added the claws. I was going to do up critters with the chanille, but I like the claws better...so the rest is a copy, the claws are mine (I think anyway, probably someone out there already doing it).

[Too Fly]

I apologize...I wanted to get my flies in the mail this past week. However, my wife and I found out last Tuesday, via a routine 12 week doppler/ultrasound, that we had a miscarriage. This would've been our first baby. It's been an extremely tough week.

Sorry, I don't mean to bring any of you people down or damper this fly swap. This is supposed to be fun.

Anyway, I'll be tying up flies sometime today and should have them sent by the due date for mailing.

Thanks,
Paul

[Smcdermott]

Paul,

My sincerest condonlences. If you don't have the time or desire to tie up flies we will definitely still include you. I don't want this to be another weight on your shoulders. I can't begin to imagine what you must be going through.

Sean

[Ryder]

Paul,

My sincerest condonlences.

Sean

Mine too Paul.

Craig Ryder

[Too Fly]

Thanks guys for the kind words and AlderBrookFarms for the PM.

I'll tie the flies today, I want to.

We've been trying to get into the swing of things again. Tying these flies might turn out to be therapeutic.

Thanks again.

Paul

[Smcdermott]

Too Fly and Widdoes have informed me that their flies are in the mail. That leaves Quicksilver and FlyTyer. If I don't hear from them by Friday I will proceed w/o them.

Sean

[Quicksilver]

Too Fly I am so sorry for your loss. Fellow tyers, mine were mailed either the 13th or 14th. I tied a weedless brown and tan #4 Merkin that has worked well for me on the bayside of Islamorada.

[AlderBrookFarm]

I'll take some of the heat off....I'm also going to Belize in April so I don't necessarily have to have them for my Florida trip.

[Too Fly]

Thanks Quicksilver. We're doing much better now.

With everything that's happened, I was able to get my flies done by the due date. Of course the Post Office is closed Sundays and yesterday was a holiday. I was able to get them in the mail this afternoon though. I hope they're not too sloppy. I'm kinda anal about that sort of thing. They should be in Attleboro by the end of the week.

Sean,

I put my flies in a small cardboard jewelry box and sent them via USPS. I included a pre-paid padded envelope to mail back.

Thanks,
Paul

[Smcdermott]

Received Widdoes and Quicksilvers today.

Sean

[striblue]

Sean... I think Flytyer is Joe Branham...I know he has his already tied... He has a bunch he has pre-packaged for a number of swaps... He may have forgotten about it simply because he is working hard at revising his site... It might be worth just dropping him a PM or e-mail.....I can do it if you want... I think having his flies in the swap would be good... What do you want to do?

[Smcdermott]

Sean... I think Flytyer is Joe Branham...I know he has his already tied... He has a bunch he has pre-packaged for a number of swaps... He may have forgotten about it simply because he is working hard at revising his site... It might be worth just dropping him a PM or e-mail.....I can do it if you want... I think having his flies in the swap would be good... What do you want to do?

John,

I sent Joe a PM and Email so I am assuming I will hear back from him. I also think it would be great to get his flies in the swap. I just didn't want to break the commitment I made to get them out for the early trips. Since Alderbrook is ok with a possible late mailing I will do my best to get Joe's flies in.

Sean

[Quicksilver]

Thank you Smcdermott and Alderbrookfarm! Joe B is a pro. I would imagine there has been a missed communication somewhere along the line. I will be glad to pick up the postage for all if his flies arrive too late.

[striblue]

Ok, Thanks Sean...just checking. I understand about the mailing commitment.

[Too Fly]

Wow, I've been on this site for awhile now and I just ran a search on how to post a picture. It's pretty sad that I don't know how to do this stuff already.

Anyway, I thought I'd give it a whirl and post my first pic. This is the fly I sent in for the swap, it's called the "Super Silly Gotcha."

Thanks,
Paul

[Pucho]

WOOW!!!!, nice fly Paul, cant wait to get my flies, i have plans on a fly trip for bones on March or April
Pucho

[Too Fly]

Thanks Pucho.

I tied this one as I sat on a foot stool and my wife got the computer chair. --126-3- I'm hoping the ones I sent in aren't too rushed looking. I had only a small amount of the wing material left, so they aren't quite as long and tapered as I like. I know the fish won't care, but I always do. (#$119) This fly represents just about the last clump of material, I was lucky.

Paul

[ChemFly]

Beauty!
Here bonefish bonefish bonefish!
--127-3-
(#$106)

[Too Fly]

Thanks Chem!

I can't wait to see all of the stuff you guys did. This is almost like Christmas! "I wanna I wanna I wanna!" --126-3- (Herman Munster)

[ChemFly]

Too Fly,
You will see a similar design in my Foxy Bone.
The sililegs are tyed in over the out-rigger style beadchain eyes ala Fishy Fullum design. This design allows for a fly that lands upright on the bottom with very little splash unless really smacked in during presentation. The wing is artic fox.

[Too Fly]

Your pattern sounds like a killer.

I bet there are tons of people out there tying similar stuff to all of our flies. Still, it's kinda nice to think of a pattern as sort of your own.

Paul

[striblue]

Thanks Sean...Mine came in today and a really bueatiful assortment... and all really well tied... Thanks everyone and great Job ..Sean!

[jjonas]

My flies came in today! This was my first swap and I am very pleased. Nice variety and nicely tied. I look forward to trying them out in Abaco this May. Thanks very much to all who participated and special thanks to Sean for running the swap.

Jason

[AlderBrookFarm]

Mine came today...thank you Sean for being so speedy. They are awesome, so awesome I'm afraid to tie them on a tippet for fear I'll lose them. Guess that means I'll have to get busy and make my own copies of them...specially the crabby looking ones as that's my last type of flies left to tie before I head off to use them. Thank you everyone.

[ChemFly]

Sean & Fellow Bone Heads,
My flies arrived today. What a great assortment! Very well tyed and extremely imaginative with excellent material selection. Sililegs seem to be the rage.
I have learned a great deal just by studying how each fly is contructed and where I need to make improvements of my own.

1000 Thanks to the Gang and especially to Swapmeister Sean.

Highest Regards,
Jeff

[Quicksilver]

Very nice flies people! My Merkin looks drab compared to the other selections. Thank you Sean for running this swap. I leave for Andros in two weeks. I have tied a bunch of tan Bonefish Clousers. It will be reassuring to have these flies in case the standard patterns don't prove successfull.

[ChemFly]

Quicksilver,
I too am off for Andros the end of March.
Having this fine assortment of flies will give me great confidence in my arsenal. The rest is up to my abilities, yes?!
JW

[Quicksilver]

I have lightweight clothing and flats hats. I have polarized sunglasses with copper colored lenses. Pretty soon I will start the most important aspect for success- I will practice my casting. What is the hot fly at your destination?

[ChemFly]

I have lightweight clothing and flats hats. I have polarized sunglasses with copper colored lenses. Pretty soon I will start the most important aspect for success- I will practice my casting. What is the hot fly at your destination?

This will be my first trip to South Andros, as well as my first to Andros in general this time of year, so I'm as wide open for fly selection as anyone. White Charlies and olive/tan Charlies have worked well for me in the past, which are my got-to fly when figuring out the behavior in a new area. Others who have fished there have told me that size 4 & 6 tan clousers, tyed sparse with a small amount of flash works well. Looking at the the great selection of flies from our swap I suspect that any of those would turn heads...

PM me to discuss in greater detail.

[Smcdermott]

I am happy to see everyone so far is pleased with the swap. The funky pink fly (Kaufman's Interceptor) is what I submitted. I couldn't get my crab fly the way I wanted it so that will have to wait. But I have heard great things about the Interceptor saving the day when the weather wasn't cooperating and also that it can even be killer on bright days at times. I had a busy weekend so I wasn't able to get the pictures up but I will try to get to that and the giveaway this week.

Sean

[widdoes]

Thanks Sean and all tiers! A wonderful selection well tied and looking like real killers. I will especially look forward to launching that white crab pattern at a Boca Paila permit in April. We have developed a hunch that the crabs they like are more white/cream than tan/brown. We'll see.
Thanks again, especially Sean for your coordination. Well done!
-Wild John

[Pucho]

Got my flies today and i am not going to wet this babies LOL :brow , I am framing them, Thanks all you guys and specially Sean (#$120) for the great work, cant wait to try some of this patterns(before i make some xtras of them)
Thanks again
Pucho --127-3-

[ruge13]

I got mine yesterday too, great flies!!! I have them all phiotographed too so some time today I will get all the pics up so others can see what they missed;)

[Smcdermott]

I got mine yesterday too, great flies!!! I have them all phiotographed too so some time today I will get all the pics up so others can see what they missed;)


Ruge,

Thank you for offering to post the pics. I have been trying to get to it but just been very busy lately. Not everyone will have to miss out --127-3- . Once everyone has their flies from the swap I will set up the giveaway for the extras.

Sean

[Too Fly]

I got my flies last night too! Great stuff!

I can post a pic if you guys are too busy.

Paul