Black Gnat

[William Anderson]

Mark R, I must have been sipping Blanton's when I wrote the post above, while pool side on my phone, because I said what I meant, but it didn't come out the way I meant it to. What I meant by any one person's preference doesn't hold a lot of weight, was intended as a kind of self-depricating comment about my own choices during the tying or design process. If any one person said their style/technique/method/preference was the right way, I would have a hard time listening to anything else they had to offer. (again meant as self deprication). That probably came out wrong too. I'll use five sentences to say what I should have been able to say in one. And I'm not drinking, yet. (smiley) I really like Mark's gnat body and more of my flies look like his than the gnat I posted. If we were to have 10 people tie Leisenring's #14 Black Gnat, they would each be unique and none would be the truth, or they would all be. The black gnat pattern has been included in several lists before Leisenring and even each of those are slightly different, so you can't put much weight in any one of those either, as they are all accurate/effective. The self deprecating aspect was that I like my flies, but I never take my own preferences any more seriously than anyone elses. Maybe I'm hung over. (I'm not).This just isn't coming out right, and yet here I am hitting submit.

Mark L, I really like the iridescent qualities you're getting with the turkey, black hen and wire rib. It's a nice effect. Makes me want to get out the tying station, but I'm waiting for the kids to get dressed for swim team...here they come.

w

[Soft-hackle]

Hi William,
Hey, you are quite correct about the Black Gnat variations, which I'm sure all work. The thing is it's a matter, often, of personal preference, observation, and interpretation. While many feel that fly tying is not an art, I do, and in doing so can say that your statement regarding the variation from tier to tier tying the same fly helps support the idea. Everyone sees things differently. I dare say that is part of being human. While we often agree on things, we never really SEE things exactly like someone else. We all have our own point of view and it shows in our work at the canvas, using a camera, and, yes, tying a fly.

When I first started tying the Black Gnat, I somewhat discarded the suggestion of twisting the fibers with the thread. To me, the red mixed in, somehow, did not fit into my interpretation of what a real black gnat should look like. For a while, I just twisted the fibers together to strengthen them. That worked okay, but still needed work. I also selected the Turkey tail rather than the crow because-first- I didn't have any crow, and then second because I really liked the iridescent shine it had. It seemed to marry well with the starling.

Then I thought of some very fine green wire I had. It was taken from some electronic device I can't recall at the moment. Probably an old radio or small electric motor. Using Leisenring's idea of melding ingredients together, coupled with the fact that the green wire brought some inner flash and strength to the body, made me settle upon this version.

We certainly can agree that your tying and my tying of this fly would work. Each, however, has it's own unique quality that I find totally appealing and wonderful. That's the real beauty of this art we call "fly tying".

Mark

[willowhead]

The last two post to this thread epitomize what is SO great about this site. Honesty, a willingness to share.....knowledge, open mindedness, and giving spirits. Thank you both for that. And William, i'm very impressed. You "went beyond" magic elixer or no magic elixer.

[William Anderson]

http://ukflydressing.proboards.com/inde ... hread=6309

I meant to post a link to Roy's pic here. If anyone knows if this is the same bug listed by the North Country tiers, I'd like to know for sure.

w

[Ron Eagle Elk]

William.

I seem to remember a dressing of Roy's of two black gnats in the same "situation" as those two, and it looked to be on a 14 hook. A single gnat would probably be close to an 18 or 20.

REE

[Ron Eagle Elk]

William,

here's a link to Tango's SBS on the black gnat, size 20. http://ukflydressing.proboards.com/inde ... thread=656

REE

[daringduffer]

William.

I seem to remember a dressing of Roy's of two black gnats in the same "situation" as those two, and it looked to be on a 14 hook. A single gnat would probably be close to an 18 or 20.

REE

Here is a link to a fly imitating this situation. Click the link being warned that it would be banned from this forum.

http://www.rackelhanen.se/swe/1356.htm

Recommended size is 18. The fly is ugly but effective when the fish are occupied with mating gnats.

dd