Helpful Replytandem flies

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davef
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2014/12/02 18:01:33 (permalink)

tandem flies

I've been tying up and carrying about 10 tandem rigs for steel head with the dropper about 5 inches below the top fly.  Does any one have a simple way to carry such a thing in a fly box with out getting to many tangles.  I have a fly box with slits in the foam and it's been nothing but trouble getting them in and out without a mess.  Apparently I don't have sufficient skills to tie the droppers so that the dropper length matches up closely with the slots that are the fartherest apart.  Even if I do get it close it still is a pain to get them back in.
 
Maybe my best option would be to carry a few less all ready tied up so I have more finger room to get them in and out?  Any other suggestions.    Thanks
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pikepredator2
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/03 03:04:08 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby davef 2014/12/03 07:43:58
what about one of those old style spring loaded, rectangular hook holders?  if you're rigs too long, maybe bring it down and up the other side.
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Porktown
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/03 06:21:18 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby davef 2014/12/03 07:44:06
I use a section of a pool noodle for storing crawler harnesses. I put two sections in a quart zip lock bag. You could do the same with a smaller section of pipe insulation and smaller bag.
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davef
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/03 07:49:24 (permalink)
I think the old style plastic things are about a foot long which would be to long to fit in my chest pack but I will see if I have an old one around.  The idea for something like that is what I need.  I'm also not sure if they will work with flies around size 14 or so.
 
I do have an odd piece of foam here that was originally in one of the draft sealers that fit under a door.  It's about an inch in diameter and I could cut it to whatever length would fit.  I also have some real thin wall plastic tube material that if I'm lucky the whole thing might fit in to carry.
 
I'll look at both ideas.  Thank you both.
'
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trout man
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/04 10:17:31 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby davef 2014/12/04 15:30:42
Hey Dave
 Although I don't use tandem rigs, maybe you could tie them up as you need them on the stream.  This might give you more versatility as to what flies you tie on and may save some time by not having to untangle pre tied rigs. Also, maybe use small zip lock bags, the kind your pre tied leaders come in, you could get 4 or 5 in a single bag. Just separate each one with a sheet of paper to prevent tangling.
 
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davef
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/04 15:30:46 (permalink)
trout man:  I agree your idea is the best but you've never watched me trying to tie knots in winter steel head weather.  I think the best for me may be just carry a few less pre-tied tandems so I have more room in my fly box.  If I carried 4 or 5 favorites  I can always tie a few up on the spot if I need others.
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trout man
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/11 10:41:03 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby davef 2014/12/11 22:46:58
Dave
I might have the answer you are looking for. Loon rigging foams. Go to intheriffle.com and look them up. They look like the discs your tippet material comes on, but they are made of foam.  Let me know what you think.
 
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davef
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/11 22:51:43 (permalink)
Those look like they would do the trick.  I did find an old pool noodle I picked up some where.  I may try to cut a couple 3/8th or so slices off the pool noodle and try using a dremel attachment to cut a small grove the whole way around each slice and see how it works on my next Erie trip.    If it works I will order some.
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go-n-fishn
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/16 21:30:25 (permalink)
You tie the second fly 5" below the top fly? 

There will be days when fishing is better than ones optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home.
**Roderick Haig-Brown
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go-n-fishn
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/16 21:30:25 (permalink)
You tie the second fly 5" below the top fly? 

There will be days when fishing is better than ones optimistic forecast, others when it is far worse. Either is a gain over just staying home.
**Roderick Haig-Brown
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davef
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/16 22:13:29 (permalink)
That's about the spacing I use.
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SimmsFlyGuy
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/18 18:17:18 (permalink)
3 options I find do the trick. I fly fish competitively and pre-rigs are key so that time isn't wasted for rigging. Here are some ideas:
#1: Rig Wrap. Look them up. They work well!
 
#2: Orvis makes a rig box. Its ok but a little bulky.
 
#3: Use an empty tippet spool. Start wrapping the line end onto the spool. When you get to your point fly, lightly hook it to the elastic band. Wrap the tag until you get to the tag fly and lightly hook it to the elastic band too. Works like a charm!
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fisherofmen376
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Re: tandem flies 2014/12/19 15:02:42 (permalink)
Snagger

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19
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