Gink's And Other Fly Treatments

[fishinwrench]

I was tinkering around with several compara-dun patterns last nite in the kitchen sink, which eventually turned into a full scale experiment on dry flys of all types that didn't end until way past bedtime (since after slopping water everywhere, it was requested that I do dish, counter and floor duty, afterwards)....

Anyway, I pretty much convinced myself that Gink's is worthless, massaging it into your flys is a waste of time.... and it is taking up space and making my vest pocket all greasy for no good reason. I understand the "science" and all, but I sure couldn't prove to myself that it actually will make a fly float any better, or longer regardless of the fly design. I didn't have any other types (brands) of floatant at my disposal, but with the popularity of Gink's I just kinda assumed it was "the shizznit" as far as floatant is concerned. Just curious if everyone uses this stuff because of what they have "heard and read" like I have been for longer than I am willing to admit, or if I am missing something valid.

Tried some pieces of tippet material also....with no noticable change when compared to the floatation capabilitys of untreated mono, or flouro.

Anyone have any feedback on this ? cuz I don't get it.

[jdmidwest]

I use Orvis Hy Float and it works well. Nothing is a substitute for poor grade hackle or material that absorbs too much water. There are treatments like Water Shed that is a liquid silicone that you can pretreat the fly with beforehand and allow to dry for a minimum 24 hours. Most any will sink after a fish or two. Most flies I tye incorporate CDC to give them floating capabilities.

[flyfishmaster]

Well I'll throw my 3 cents worth (inflation raised it from 2). I still use the Glinks, but after it goes under the surface for th first time, I start putting the fly in either my Loon Top Rider shaker or in my Frog's Fanny shaker (yes I know the Frogs Fanny comes in a small bottle with a brush, but I transfered it to an old Top Rider shaker for easier one handed use).

I perfer the Frog's Fanny to keep the fly riding higher on the surface.

later,

FFM

[DoveTail]

I have used several other brands. I think the key is to let it cure for 24 hours after an application so it can dry onto the fly. I have had little #24 Comparduns stay afloat. As mentioned before after a few fish hit it and submerge the pattern they will get saturated. I found making 4 or 5 false cast helps dry the fly out again and up on top it stays. I may blow on the fly in my hand before I false cast just to assist in drying.

Hackle or the design of a Comparadun is important also. A rock is going to sink regardless how much treatment you put on it, the treatments just assist with a fly.

[fishinwrench]

Well yeah I know, but I can blow or squeeze a untreated fly dry and it will float just as well as a treated one. Theoretically once treated it shouldn't soak up much water after submerged, the water should fall right off of the fly on a false cast...but it doesn't. Matter of fact the untreated flys I left out to dry after my episide last nite are still floating better than the ones that were initially treated (if that makes any sense). Not to mention that it mats down flys with peacock herl KILLING THAT LIVING-BREATHING THING and makes them look like crap LOL

I dunno, but I have lost all faith in the stuff and I guess I'm just in the mood to preach that dry fly fishermen are better off without it.

[jdmidwest]

Ginks makes 2 types, floatant and fast sink, you did not pick up the sinking type did you?

[fishinwrench]

Ginks makes 2 types, floatant and fast sink, you did not pick up the sinking type did you?

LMAO.....If I did I'd never admit it.

Naw, the sinkin' stuff is called Xink's, of which I have no use for either by the way, since mud, beads, lead wire or split shot are always handy.

[jjtroutbum]

I use Ginks Maybe I don't need to use it but I do....lol Always wondered about the Sinks if thats what its called but i just mash my nymphs into the soft bank and this seem to get the extha air out.

[Brian Wise]

Any chance you used too much on the flies fishinwrench? I use Loon Aquel but hardly use dries unfortunately.

Brian