I just want to thank all that have chimed in on this post. I have learned a lot just by reading your ideas and thoughts about swinging flies. You guys have tied up some nice looking stuff. I will use some of your goods If you all dont mind. I think Im going to be real busy this summer time picking up some more stuff and giving it the 'ole college try for next seasons steelie fiasco. Thanks again guys.

 
whats up with the tag end on your cinch knot?

didn't bite it off before the pic
honestly... i am ok with not making a flush snip to tags (that pic is excessive)



i was messing with the look of materials and the method for the stinger
i was a sloppy BS tie... not that most of mine aren't

i know...

i still want to see a pike pike on the business end of the big red and white one

Waddington shanks:
 
I make my own using stainless steel spinner wire, .020 diam., I believe, but prefer to tie on plastic tubing, ( Frodin), usually with a cone head.

Hey KJ. You really should get yourself some spey hooks. Tying on them really give your fly more sex appeal. Yes, tying your own flies there really should be no rules to your flies. But if you are going for the spey theme there are some guidelines. One of them is no matter the wing material it should not pass the end of the hook. I use the Alec Jackson's in sizes 3 and 1.5 mainly. I do have some 5,7, and 3/0.
 
Lady Caroline on an AJ 3/0. One of the few spey patterns that call for a tail. I botched it by using to much material though.

 
 
Here's one of my own creations. Got a good pull on her before she fell to the river bottom. Done up on a 1.5

 
Another one of my own Glasso inspired. This one is done on a 3. The wing may be a tad long, but the fish don't mind.

 
By using the correct hooks it allows your flies to flow better. In spey flies you must have the correct materials to work with or they just wont come out the way you want or it is a struggle. As for the strip wing I have yet to do it. It does look pretty cool on some flies though. It just seams alittle to artsy for me. What vise did you get?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The books I have in no particular order are
 
1. Spey Flies & Dee Flies Their History & Construction by John Shewey
 
    A great book that is concidered the Bible to Spey flies by some. A great listing of flies with wonderful how to step by step pictures of all the steps in tying spey flies.
 
2. Steelhead Flies by John Shewey
 
    Very nice book but I like the other one better. Not upset at all that I got it.  Great fly plates along with step by step.
 
3. Spey Flies How to Tie Them  by Bob Veverka
 
     May be my favorite. It goes into very good detail about the materials used and substitutes for original materials. Also goes into the history of the flies and styles.
 
4. Featherwing & Hackle Flies for Salmn & Steelhead by Chris Mann
 
    Really goes into the history of the flies. No how to pics just drawings of flies and recipes. Not the first book to get maybe down the road if it all.
 
5. A Passion for Steelhead  by Dec Hogan
 
    For fly tying not very much but enough to inspire you. This book covers everything involved in swinging flies with a 2 handed rod. A must have for anybody who wants to do things the right way.
 
Looking at my list I would say purchase books 1 and 3 for tying reasons. As I already said Decs book is a must.  Give those 3 books a good read and you will be busy all summer long, if not for ever. Enjoy.

How do you manage to catch any fish Kevin, if all you do is hang out on this board all weekend?

ORIGINAL: The Tuna

How do you manage to catch any fish Kevin, if all you do is hang out on this board all weekend?

 
You don't have the new Orvis with the Blackberry built into the handle?  I thought everyone had one.

Yinz dudes ever hear of using a Kreh loop, or another type of non-slip loop on the end of your Spey flies? As you know, it's all about confidence in what your fishing, and I really do feel that the fly will get a bit more action with a loop instead of a cinch. Heres a link......

http://www.midcurrent.com/images/kreh_loop_5.jpg

ORIGINAL: KJH807

i have never made any claims about catching fish...

He's right there.

I, on the other hand, couldn't catch AIDS in Africa.

 
Some flies I like to swing: Frodin plastic tubes, Rabbit collared buggers. Nothing elaborate - simple but effective
 

nice tubes

ORIGINAL: Plum Bob

 
Finally got the pics to post.

 
I am a big fan of the yellow and orange color combo. Love swinging them in clearer water on sunny days. The fly that catches my eye is the yellow and white. I used to fish a fly with those 2 colors but kinda forgot about it. I will have to add something along those lines to my box. Thanks for posting your work and inspiring me in my own.
 
KJ I can feel the tug on that black leech with the red collar. Nice.

Kevin, those flies are Sick! I just picked up some from SW. (That place is closing by the way)

I'm looking forward to swinging to some pellet heads soon, do stocked trout take same size flies, or does it not really matter?