"mixtures of science and art have produced ten thousand pretty flies we don't need"..Datus Proper "What the Trout Said"....I agree with that quote. It's not to say that some quite elaborate flies aren't needed but those flies are art and that's where they belong. A framed Atlantic salmon fly is a beautiful sight. A meticulously tied Catskill dry fly to me is a form of art that few can truly say they can accomplish. That being said I also think that a simple fly is also a form of art that will provide something those lovely framed flies can't and that is a tug on the line. The thought of fishing some thread and a twist or two of hackle seems absurd, and that's what I thought until I gave it a try. The results are in and all I can say is it's "phenomenal"..
On this one I went a little extravagant with the use of Shetland Spindrift wool body. Sometimes I get carried away.
"for those who love small streams, wild trout and life in their simplest form"
Alan Petrucci, "Small Stream Reflections"
These flies are as attractive to the fish as they are to this fisherman. Reminds me of the KISS principle. I hope you have another stunning day!
ReplyDeleteBill/Tully
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Bill they have simple charm. Today was awesome just driving about rural Connecticut.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a time many years ago. My brother had a red button on a snap swivel that he was using to practice cast his spinning rod at home. When we got to the farm pond we were camping at he cast it in to stretch his line. A rock bass hit it and the swivel, which was not snapped shut, actually hooked it. We had a good laugh over that one. We spend all that money on lures and hooks and you can catch them with a button and a snap swivel.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe that's quite a story. I love fishing for rock bass. They are aggressive and have some power. They also take soft hackles readily.
Alan, Keep getting carried away! All the best, John
ReplyDeletePS A lovely stream
The Two Terriers
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John getting carried away is a way of life for me.
The stream, fish, and flies look great! As a newcomer to fly fishing, I have learned a lot from reading your blog and am now ready to try fishing some simple flies in my local CT streams (even if I haven't yet begun to tie my own).
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn I'm glad that you have taken up the fly rod. CT. has some wonderful streams with a variety of wild trout.
email me at uppahdam@aol.com
Beautiful fish and flies that brought them to hand, Alan. When I see those flies with hackle tied toward the middle I think of Vince Marinaro who advocated dry flies tied in that fashion. Some more nice rain today in these parts. I hope your area got some too. Best, Sam
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Sam I did not know Mr Marinaro had advocated such. He was a master. The northern part of CT got rain but the rest of the state did not. We are still OK. I saw some areas of MA. got heavy amounts.
Beautiful Alan, simply beautiful! Please don't cut yourself short on the subject of tying! Your patterns are in their own way intricate and indeed works of art meant for fishing!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work friend!
Dougsden
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Doug you are so kind. The flies have a certain ability to catch fish and for that I'm happy.
It's amazing what a few twists can conjure up
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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Just a little imagination and crossed fingers.
Alan
ReplyDeleteJason would agree with you concerning flies to be fished and those too elegant to fish---he certainly treasures the streamers you tied for him last Xmas. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill Jason is right. There are certain flies that do more good in the confines of a frame rather then in the lip of a fish.