In the course of our lifetime we have the chance to meet some very wonderful and talented fly tyers. Some of these tyers are very close to us and we may even fish with them from time to time. And then there are those tyers who are considered innovators, the ones who create some of the best fly patterns. This is one of those fly tyers.
I had the opportunity to meet Jack Gartside in the late 90's at a fly fishing show outside of Boston. At that time I was new to tying flies and barely could produce something that even remotely considered a fly. But at show and for a brief time I witnessed Jacks ability at the vise I was able to walk away a better tyer. Jack was the person responsible for my decision to purchase my tying vise, which is the Regal Medallion.
Below is a pattern he crated. It uses few materials, and can be easily tied. You can vary the colors used to create many baitfish patterns.
The materials needed to tie the Gartside's "Soft Hackle Streamer". Marabou, Crystal Flash, and a Mallard Flank Feather, some thread and a hook.
Here are a few "soft hackle streamers" I tied using various colors of marabou.
A close up of a gray marabou soft hackle streamer. It can represent many small minnows that swim our rivers and lakes.
This attractor pattern of yellow and red marabou takes on the look of the "Mickey Finn"
Many of these soft hackle patterns can be tied in sizes to fish for trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, and various saltwater game fish.
Hey there Brk Trt,
ReplyDeletethose look like nice & easy to tye streamers. Is there a book with him and his patterns? I'm a novise tyer, and I like the easy & effective patterns to tye @ this stage & ability.
Great post..........Phil
DRYFLYGUY,
DeleteThanks.
These are pretty simple ties. And with marabou the action makes up for a lot of mistakes.
Actually, I just googled his name & there is a lot on him & his flies & patterns. Cool stuff!
ReplyDeleteJack was a pretty well known so info about him and his patterns is readily available.
DeleteHe was a fantastic fly tier. Glad you were able to meet him Alan.
ReplyDeleteApache Trout,
DeleteThanks.
The last time I saw him was in 2003 in Marlboro Mass. at the fly fishing show.
First of I want to pass along "Kudos" to you for highlighting Jack Gartside and this wonderful pattern. I used this fly effectively on the streams and lakes in Idaho and Montana, and, now that I live in Colorado, here too! As you stated, the marabou combinations are endless so a great pattern to tie in many colors to tempt your local trout. Don't forget this pattern is also effective on Bass, Crappie, Bluegill etc. Thanks again, Alan!
ReplyDeleteMel Moore,
DeleteThanks.
Mel a lot of the old masters have left us, but they as well as their works still hang on.
Jack produced many great patterns, and you certainly did them justice. Thank you for the post,
ReplyDeleteJohnny Miller
www.nymphingdeep.blogspot.com
Johnny Miller,
DeleteThanks.
That he did.
Really great looking patterns, and gives me some utility for a few soft hackle feathers that are a tad too long for the usual suspects.
ReplyDeleteAtlas,
DeleteThanks.
That's how Jack approached fly tying. There was never any material that couldn't be used.
Very interesting book. I shows there is noting completely new in fly fishing, just new ways of thinking. Thanks.
ReplyDeletefishermanrichard,
DeleteThanks.
Your so right.
Very nice flies! Great post. MG
ReplyDeleteMatt Grobert,
DeleteThanks.
It's appreciated Matt.
Think I'll tie some of these "Gartsiders" tonight. Thanks!
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
DeleteThanks.
I think they might just work in your neck of the woods.
I don't fish with streamers very often Alan but I fell in love with each and every on of them. You've learned well my friend.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
DeleteThanks.
So far so good. But I'm always a student.
Never heard of the gentleman before..I'll have to do some research on him..thanks Alan
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
DeleteThanks.
He was quite a gent. Made his living fishing, tying flies and driving cabs at night in Boston.
Alan
ReplyDeleteWhat trout or warm water species would refuse these patterns? Alan you are not only an outstanding trout fisherman but you are a superb fly tier. Thanks for sharing another great post
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
I do appreciate your kind comments.
He has some great saltwater patterns, I use the gurgler a lot and always have some in both my saltwater and freshwater box. Thanks for posting on Gartside.
ReplyDeleteLQN,
DeleteThanks.
The "gurgler" is one of his best.
Ever fish the "sparrow"