Black Pennell attempts

[Kelly L.]

I was determined to make some Black Pennell flies for fishing. I did not see much on them, so I made a few attempts. You guys are more familiar with what they should look like traditionally. Davie McPhail had a variation. I made a couple of those because they looked interesting, and more fishable actually. I did not have red hackle, so I omitted that. One fly has oval rib, the other silver wire ribbing. The one with oval rib was a little short possibly on hackle length, as well as the variation. But I made up for it with the thinner fly. I wanted to see if it made a difference to the fish.

[michaelgmcgraw]

Hi Kelly, all three make the Black Pennall grade. Put the tail of the middle fly on the other two,I like #3 the most.

[letumgo]

Very classy variation, Kelly. The top version gets my vote, in terms of accuracy, but the middle one gets my vote in terms of fishability. They are all great dressings.

[hankaye]

Kelly, Howdy;

WOW !!!

Each one better then the previous and the first one is dropdead georgious.

hank

[William Anderson]

these are just wonderful. Nicely done. Omit the tippet tails and you've got one of my favorites.

[Kelly L.]

I am enjoying which you guys like. My favorite for looks is number 3. Number 1 has bigger taper, and it is coated with a uv resin. (mostly to protect the oval ribbing) Davie McPhail said the tail should be as long as the body. I thought it looked a tad bit long. But, I haven't seen them wet, so that could change. I want to play with that variation too, and add longer hackle. The silver wire is more durable...but, if you coat it, I guess it doesn't matter. I like all 3, and think they will catch fish. I really don't know what a great looking Black Pennell should look like. But these two were an estimate. I think the fish here will like them. They may not produce. I just wanted to try them out. Sometimes patterns just pull me in, and I have to tie them. I think y'all know what I mean.

[DUBBN]

Wow! Somebody is getting fancy, and fancy in a very good way. I like 2. The hot spot and tight wraps of Silver get my vote!

[Kelly L.]

Number 2 definitely looks like the best getter to me. I love both patterns. William thinks without the tail, it is just like his favorite. The tail may be helpful here, especially in stained water. The bass love goldfish here. (some do use them for bait, I am not kidding) So, I thought this might be a trigger for those fish, that have seen the goldfish...lol. Now you know, the REST of the story.

[kanutripr]

I like them all! But do tell Kelly (maybe I'm just tired and missed it) what did you use for the hotspot on number two? That might mean the difference some time.



Vicki

[Mataura mayfly]

I like no.2 as well, then we might just all have a soft spot for peacock herl...... just like the fish do!
All three are fine ties and the tails may appear a bit long, but unless you get a lot of shot takes that nip the tail before the point of the hook I wouldn't worry too much.
That is a neat hot spot on the no.2 fly, looks like a translucent coat on some kind of red flash material- that could be the photo..... or just my eyes! Looks good though.