FLYMPH FORUM

My son and I were walking by a pond and found some old mono strangling several limbs, so we cut it all out and put it away. We also found a black and white feather, species unknown and he knows to scavange anything that looks like it has fly potential. He's five, so some of the things I get don't quite work, but these did.

Mono Found 1530



Hook: Daiichi 1530 #12
Thread: Griffiths 14/0 Black
Hackle: black and white striped feather found near a pond
Body: two types/tones of mono cut from branches, twisted and wrapped over the black tying thread.


Another use for the old weathered mono.

Mono Mole and Black Hen 1530



Hook: Daiichi 1530 #12
Thread: Griffiths 14/0 Black
Hackle: Black Hen Cape Hackle
Body: Old Mono wrapped up over the tying thread touch dubbed with black mole.
Thorax: Black Mole

Either of these might be effective at some point for some reason. The first seems like another juicy caddis larva, maybe. It has translucency in spades, profile and vitality. And the black fly has profile, vitality and color (colour) in its favor. With good presentation they seem fishable, but clearly fall on the side of "hmmmm. What could I do with this?" Sometimes that leads to something interesting. Sometimes not. But compare the old Mono to the twisted horse tail flies.





Maybe something like this twisted horse tail with the old mono would be interesting.








w

Nice work. I like that feather you found. It really highlights the fly.

These flies resonate with me on many many levels (fishability, aesthetics, recycling, interaction with family, creativity, etc.). Simply brilliant on all counts...

Fish catcher!!!!1

Dub-ya, Howdy;

Excellent use of materials, who sez fly tying is expensive.......
just go pick-up behind the bait casters .....

Those are some good lookin' flys ...

hank

Hans,

You are a constant source of inspiration and delight.
What could be better than improvisation involving your five-year-old son (except maybe one with my 3-year-old granddaughter)?

Thank you for this beautiful post.

Lance

I have used mono for fly bodies before, but in a more "formal" manner, usually alternate half hitches or even wraps of a single colour.

I like your method and colour mix much better!

gingerdun wrote:Hans,

You are a constant source of inspiration and delight.
What could be better than improvisation involving your five-year-old son (except maybe one with my 3-year-old granddaughter)?

Thank you for this beautiful post.

Lance

Lance,

This time I am totally innocent. Please refocus and look in William's direction for these

Cheers,
Hans W

William,

this is great idea! As You said "Sometimes that leads to something interesting. Sometimes not." If you try mono flies compared to some others (horse hair or waxed silk bodies) and get some conclusion, pleas let us know, OK?

Btw, which flies are with twisted horse hair?

William and Hans,
Ooops. At least you know that I am a big fan of both of you.
That is what I get for posting too late at night, after a long, exhausting day.
Lance