drew03cmc Posted December 23, 2006 Posted December 23, 2006 Does anyone else have the problem with Griffiths Gnats falling apart after like three or four fish? Mine, the hackle all ends up down by the hook bend. And how do I fix it. Andy
McManus Posted December 23, 2006 Posted December 23, 2006 I finish mine, like I do most of my flies. I put two whip finishes on, each with 3 to 5 wraps, depending on the size of the fly. "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after." Henry David Thoreau
timsfly Posted December 23, 2006 Posted December 23, 2006 I think the original pattern calls for fine copper wire wrapped counter clock wise thru the hackle, I'm sure this would make them more durable, I have used 1 lb maxima for years to make mine more durable, and it seems to work for me, but bad placement of your forceps or what ever you use to remove the flies can ruin a fly on the first fish, try the mono thing it does seems to make them a bit more durable, but that hackle is pretty easy to break, but you know I have used griffiths gnats that seemed to last for ever and then I've had them mess up after only a few fish, the browns and rainbows have those sharp teeth and if they are hooked where the fly rubs over the teeth a few times while you are playing the trout, well the teeth can mess a fly of any kind up pretty quick. Tim Homesley 23387 st. hwy 112 Cassville, Mo 65625 Roaring River State park Tim's Fly Shop www.missouritrout.com/timsflyshop
Danoinark Posted December 23, 2006 Posted December 23, 2006 Hey Drew, good advice from everyone. But you know I would trade that little gnat for a fish anyday Dano Glass Has Class "from the laid back lane in the Arkansas Ozarks"
jjtroutbum Posted December 23, 2006 Posted December 23, 2006 I like to affix the hackle under the hearl prior to wraping with a lil bit of Sally's Hard As Nails this builds the body a lil on knats as well as cracklebacks . and I am allways trying to leave enough room to apply the same head cement after all whip finishes. Seems to have helped my flys with durability to smear alil any chance I get, but the mono idea sound good also. I do notice that a hook with the barb removed/crushed is the best way to keep my flies in good shape should the fish be so kind as to assult it. JJ Jon Joy ___________ "A jerk at one end of the line is enough." unknown author The Second Amendment was written for hunting tyrants not ducks. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." Benjamin Franklin, 1759
drew03cmc Posted December 24, 2006 Author Posted December 24, 2006 Well, how would I use the 1# mono? I am confused about that, but beyond that, I do not yet tie my own, as I am not patient enough, but I love the idea of making my flies a little more durable. I went through four on fifteen strikes. A little nutso if you ask me Andy
SilverMallard Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 Just quit catching fish and you won't have this problem. Most flies are going to get torn up some after 4 fish...especially dries. SilverMallard "How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of - and which no other people on Earth enjoy." Thomas Jefferson (This disclaimer is to state that any posts of a questionable nature are to be interpreted by the reader at their own peril. The writer of this post in no way supports the claims made in this post, or takes resposibility for their interpretations or uses. It is at the discretion of the reader to wrestle through issues of sarcasm, condescension, snobbery, lunacy, left and or right wing conspiracies, lying, cheating, wisdom, enlightenment, or any form of subterfuge contained herein.)
Terry Beeson Posted January 6, 2007 Posted January 6, 2007 I have to agree. You can make your flies "more durable" with SHHAN, copper wire, mono, etc. But when it comes down to "brass tacks," flies will tend to come apart if you are fighting fish with them. TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
drew03cmc Posted January 16, 2007 Author Posted January 16, 2007 Thanks guys! I guess I will just learn to not care as much about retying! Andy
Leonard Posted January 16, 2007 Posted January 16, 2007 Id have to agree with Tim.. I to like to palmer (counter wrap) the little gnats.. but instead on mono.. I like to use the thread im using if its black... I pull out about 4-5in of thread (depending on size) before I start the thread... wrap that down the hook.. but 'DO NOT" cut the tag... add in you peacock.. wrap forward.. add the hackle wrap back... the wrap the thread in the opposite direction of the hackle... tye off the whip finish... either way... you can find the mono at any fly shop... or a wal-mart sewing department... http://www.taneycomonights.com
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