Goose Biots

[Kyle]

Looking to expand my flytying from scuds and San Juans. I have been reading many fly recipies and have time and again seen goose biots come up. What exactly is a biot and is it possible to get your own off of geese? I am a fairly avid goose hunter and it would be kind of neat to harvest my own as opposed to shelling out the whole 2 dollars that one costs, lol. Also, I do a fair amount of duck, pheasant and quail hunting. Is there anything I should/could be keeping off of these birds to make flies commonly used on Missouri waters?

Also, I am curently using a vise that as far as I can tell is from arround the 1960's. I got it when my grandfather passed away in 90. It is a stationary vise and I was wondering if all of the hype over the rotary vises is warrented. Are they that much better/easier? If so are there any out there that don't cost a small fortuine?

Kyle

[Okieflyfisher53]

Kyle,

The biots are found on the leading edge of the wing primaries. I have some canada goose primaries that I use when I need a gray biot. I have dyed some, but as cheap as they are to buy it's not really worth the trouble to dye them. as for pheasant feathers, there are many useable feathers on a pheasant. This will give you some ideas http://www.jackgartside.com/art_pheasant_feathers.htm You can get some good soft-hackle feathers from quail, and ducks have many useable feathers, too.

Steve

[ness]

Kyle,

Ditto Okie's comments. But to add: those pheasant tail feathers are the main ingredient on a pheasant tail nymph, which is a great dark mayfly nymph pattern, and a really good one to tie if you're spreading your wings a little.

[Kyle]

Thanks guys for the imput, still looking for some opinions on the vise.

[Randall]

Kyle, did you seriously ask that question? I mean really, you just asked that question? I bet you've never even seen those birds, let alone shot one. Ha ha.

To add a little to your inquiry, definitely keep turkey wing and tail feathers; don't bother with deer, for the price and the amount you'll use, its not worth it. I use a fair bit of turkey feathers for hare's ears and a few other patterns.

I didn't realize you tied there buddy. Next time I'm home I'll give you a holler, we'll whip some stuff up and I'll bring my rotary and see how you like it. If you have any specific questions, give me a call or text and I'll see if I can answer them.

There are definitely some advantages to having a rotary, but they're not essential. They make it easier to wrap some materials and you can easily get a 360* view of the fly as you go to name a few.

More important than the rotary feature is a solid pair of jaws and clamping mechanism. The jaws should lock firmly and smoothly. The hook should bend before it slips in a good vice. Try some of the more high end vises, then compare some of the less outrageously priced ones. After using a Dyna King, Renzetti, or Regal, you'll gain an appreciation for that feature. If you can't find a rotary in your range that has comparable jaws and clamping characteristics as the high end ones, go with a fixed, or save up for the one you like. Generally speaking, you won't find a good rotary in the bargain bin, they're in the couple hundred range. Personally, the Dyna King Barracuda is my favorite. When I can afford it, I'm gonna buy one.

If you're interested, the Sowbug is coming up in Arkansas, if I go, you're more than welcome to make the trip with me. There'll be plenty of fantastic fishing and the whole event is centered mainly around tying, so there's plenty to learn. Give me a shout if you think you might want to go. If nothing else, we'll hit Truman this year and try to get one of those pig hybrids like I caught with Laden. Maybe be lucky enough to get another big walleye too.

[Flysmallie]

Thanks guys for the imput, still looking for some opinions on the vise.

Rotary vises are very helpful for me. If you don't have a lot to spend look at a Griffin Spider. They sell for around $75 and would be a huge improvement from what you have now.

[DoveTail]

Cabela's has some great quality vises for sale (not the Cabela's brand) that are rotary, come with material clips, bobbin holders and several other items. You will find the material holders are a nice point to put materials but will also act as a point to hold a spool of other material. Makes it a lot easier especially if you are tying in several things.

There are a ton of things you can do with your own feathers. Biots are on every bird. Buying them is much easier than trying to dye some (IMO), but still neat to use your own feathers you have collected. If you want to die, having the liquids around 140*F helps.