My First Attempts At Balsa Wood Flies

[Buzz]

I decided to save my own life today and stayed home from work.

Since I'm not used to being home during the week I decided it was a good time to attempt a couple of Balsa flies. I've watched a couple of videos so I had a slight understanding of how to build one.

My first fly is the Frog popper. I couldn't find anything I liked for the legs ( I need more stuff ) so I cut the legs out of craft foam. I'm sure the first fish that gives either side a yank will pull them right off, but it works until I can get more stuff. The second fly I tied up is the bait fish. Since I'm not the best artist I went with an old style white and red pattern with a white marabou tail. I'm not sure if either will catch bass, but it's always cool when they do.

[duckydoty]

Sounds like you're enjoying your birthday. Happy Birthday Buzz!

[Buzz]

Thanks Duane. It's been a pretty good one.

Man, I have a heck of a time posting pictures on here anymore.

[jdmidwest]

Nice job. The trouble with making your own poppers is the time invested. It kinda makes you sad to look at that little masterpiece stuck up in a tree limb just out of reach.

[Buzz]

Yeah JD I can see that happening. I wish I hadn't forgotten the weed guards, although that wouldn't help much if it's wrapped around a limb 20 ft. over my head.

[Flysmallie]

Good job Buzz.

[mic]

Hey Buzz,

NICE. I getting ready to start making mine own. One pattern I read about required that you cut a slit down each side and stuff a marabou feather in it. Made the fly move in the water even when standing still. However, it doesn't really say how. I'm thinking about using a thin blade or a drimel bit, drop some super glue in, fold the feather in half, pull it in and hold it still until the glue sits. Any thoughts on how you would do it.

Another pattern that I'm testing out right now is so simple. Build your head, but instead of a slot for the hook drill a small hole through. Then tie a hook up... The auther used a treble hook, but I've been using a true turn red worm hook. Next slide some 20# test through the hole, slide on a bead, and then tie on your hook. On the other end tie on a loop knot. The thought process is the body doesn't get in the way of the hook. So far, I've tied up some with styrofoam, and they look great.

Last question, did you primer the wood before painting. if yes, what did you use.

[Buzz]

 

Hey Buzz,

NICE. I getting ready to start making mine own. One pattern I read about required that you cut a slit down each side and stuff a marabou feather in it. Made the fly move in the water even when standing still. However, it doesn't really say how. I'm thinking about using a thin blade or a drimel bit, drop some super glue in, fold the feather in half, pull it in and hold it still until the glue sits. Any thoughts on how you would do it.

Another pattern that I'm testing out right now is so simple. Build your head, but instead of a slot for the hook drill a small hole through. Then tie a hook up... The auther used a treble hook, but I've been using a true turn red worm hook. Next slide some 20# test through the hole, slide on a bead, and then tie on your hook. On the other end tie on a loop knot. The thought process is the body doesn't get in the way of the hook. So far, I've tied up some with styrofoam, and they look great.

Last question, did you primer the wood before painting. if yes, what did you use.

The idea of slipping Marabou into the side of the fly is interesting. I bought a razor saw that might work, it would be a lot safer than using a razor blade. I'll keep that in mind for my next one and try work it into a fly. I have an old wooden frog bait that has a metal lip and the legs are deer hair. That's probably next on my to do list minus the metal lip.

The second one you mention sounds good too. Post a couple of pictures of the foam flies you've finished I'd enjoy seeing them.

I did'nt primer either of them but I did double coat them and when they dried I coated the frog popper with Sally Hansens hard as nails and the minnow bait I coated it with SH glitter polish.

I'm still in the learning phase but I enjoyed making them both.

Does anyone use any wood other than Balsa? I've read about using basswood and I might look into it. I really want something I can make bigger flies with. Most of the balsa I've found is, at its biggest, 1/2"x 1/2".

[mic]

Took me a while, but I finally got the pic.

[Buzz]

Nice job Mic. I bet that has a lot of action. Thanks for sharing.