FLYMPH FORUM

Hi,
This is one of my first batch of the Waterhen Bloa pattern:

Waterhen Bloa


It isn't that I haven't tried the pattern before, I have. It has just been that previously, it has been Waterhen Bloa Surprise, the surprise being that there is no waterhen (moorhen) and no water rat (vole)! Substitutes have been coot and mole respectively.

But, someone has been kind enough to send me the real stuff, and what a difference! The vole is a bit more difficult to apply as it is spikier, and doesn't have the same tendency to clump together like the mole, but I love the effect.

As for coot being a substitute for moorhen, well I must have a very dodgy set of coot wings, that's all I can say. Similar colour yes, but in terms of the tactile quality, and so the way they must move in the water, I thought them very different.

So, if anyone would care to run over a moorhen for me, that would be great. But if you see a coot, just drive on by...

Andrew.
ps
I would have thought the starling underwing as on the Stewat's Dun Spider would be a better substitute, as here:


Can't remember whether I thought that up myself or somebody said it to me and I agreed and now I've nicked it - apologies if I have!

Just a note but I got a waterhen from Cookskill. But I have not been able find water rat.

narcodog wrote:Just a note but I got a waterhen from Cookskill. But I have not been able find water rat.

Did you? Then they must be holding out on me!

I think it is as and when...

Regarding vole, I understand they have a very good substitute that isn't mole, so presumably is spikier. Not expensive at all, you've just reminded me, must order some!
Cheers,
Andrew.

GlassJet wrote:

narcodog wrote:Just a note but I got a waterhen from Cookskill. But I have not been able find water rat.

Did you? Then they must be holding out on me!

I think it is as and when...

Regarding vole, I understand they have a very good substitute that isn't mole, so presumably is spikier. Not expensive at all, you've just reminded me, must order some!
Cheers,
Andrew.

I had to wait about three months before it was ready. What I mean killed then cured.

Sweet flies, head is too long on the Bloa, otherwise excellent.
Starling as a sub, probably the best.
I think the colour is crucial here, requiring blae/bloa wings.

yep, coots, walk on by.

The only good coot is a bald coot
You heard it here first folks.

Roy

Waterhen Bloa V1.1


Andrew.

That's the job.

Most folks would tie the body three wraps longer,
that one suits me, sir.

The head on that one fulfils my specification 100%

V1.1 - that is the ticket. Beautifully tied.

Thanks for all the help folks, invaluable.

So, head finally sorted after all this time... and all it took was a little fly-tying...

Andrew