Black Pennell attempts

[Kelly L.]

Well on number 2, it was supposed to be red holographic tinsel. I did not have it in red holo. But,I did have regular red tinsel. So I used what I had. Then I placed a bit of uv resin over that, to protect it. There is peacock herl of course. Then you wind the oval rib up through that to the head. I may try to shorten the tail just a tad. Davie said to have the tail as long as the hook length. I am going to tweak it. It asked for a red hackle before the black hackle...but I didn't have red. I have red schappen, but it wouldn't be just right. I could sub, and change colors, and have something workable. I used different hooks too. Mostly I used Daiichi 1560, but I also used the 1550, and 3399A. I like the slightly longer wet fly hook for this pattern.

[chase creek]

I'd have to go along with Ray - If I remember correctly (and that's an iffy issue), No. 1 is more the traditional tie, but No.2 looks like it would sure bring them in. Very nice ties, all.

[Hans Weilenmann]

Kelly,

All three are very nice renditions, so well done.

Here are some suggestions:

The BP is a rather skinny fly, by design. I would half the number of tippet barbs in the tail. You may also want to select the tippet to have the second black bar part showing, i.e. have the second bar be part of your tie-in point.

The BP (in its classic guise) has subtle flash. Wire or very fine round or oval tinsel, rather than wider flat tinsel, over a slender but smooth black floss body (I generally 'cheat' and do a two layer thread body). The hackle also is a sparse one.

Cheers,
Hans W

[Kelly L.]

Thanks Hans. I used a medium oval tinsel on the first fly. (it was on the desk already) The thin fly (3rd) has a fine silver wire. I will give it a try on gp tippet tie in point too. Thanks for the suggestions. I have Whiting Hen black saddle in black, and that is what I am using for the hackle.