Would you consider this fly, a "real" fly?

[tippet7]

I used this fly this past weekend on Taneycomo and was getting hit on almost every cast at the rebar hole.

A few people on flyanglersonline.com seem to think that it is not a fly, but simply a plastic worm. My argument is, it is artificial, tied with thread. granted there are no feathers, but glo balls, san juan worms, some scuds, many "real" flies do not contain feathers. I really dont care if they do not consider this a "real" fly, it just flat out works and I will continue to use it. Just wanted to get some local feedback on the subject.

[Phil Lilley]

That's a cool fly!!! But if it's soft plastic... I don't know. I'll try to get someone from MDC to look at it and tell us if it's legal in the trohpy area or any flies only waters. I hope it is!

What is the tube- strech tubing ?

[tippet7]

Phil,

I bought it at Anglers&Archers, they said they have been using it, so I assumed it was fine to use.

Someone told me that the material is called "D" back? does that sound right?

I have one in my fly box if you want me to bring it by your shop today and have it checked out.

[gonefishin]

I don't know for sure about Taney but, I do know if you used that in the wrong area of Bennet you could be fined because it would be concidered a soft plastic lure.

I dont have a regulations book right now but it seems to me that Mo regs say it has to have real or synthetic feathers and/or fur to be a concidered fly. Hence glo balls and San Juan worms are concidered a fly because they are made using synthetic fur.

Bud

[Phil Lilley]

I have YMCA meetings today and have to buy a new cell phone this afternoon so I won't be around the shop but I'd like to see it.

I have an email into MDC and hope to hear back shortly.

[tippet7]

I found this on Spirt river website. Since there is no photo, I cant tell for sure, but it sounds like the material used on this fly. I am planning on coming to the tying session this evening, I will make sure I have the fly with me.

spirt river tying materials

[gonefishin]

Mo code:

[A] Fly—A lure constructed on a single-point hook, of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, hair, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without spinner.

Artificial lure—A manufactured lure other than a fly or soft plastic bait (unscent-ed).

[C] Soft plastic bait (unscented)—Synthetic eggs, synthetic worms, synthetic grubs and soft plastic lures.

Per regulations your lure is a soft plastic bait.

Mo code further says:

From the closed zone 760 feet below Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek, and tributaries of Lake Taneycomo. Artificial flies and lures only (soft plastics specifically prohibited).

Not that I see anything wrong with your lure. I would use it myself -- outside of the restricted zone.

Bud

[Simsmarine]

Hmmmmm

I've seen bloodworm flys made from nothing but larva lace, or stretch tubing....same materials. Condom worms are simply latex. I think it'll pass for legal, it'll be interesting to hear the WORD.

I bet the snaggers will love it

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Quick - put some dubbing on it and hide!

Just kidding.. but I would lean toward AR saying it illegal and MO saying it is legal. For whatever reason AR has a better grasp on the rulebook.. as is aint quite so ' vague '.

I would try it out on hatchery fish.. heck.. even try it on Taney once or thrice.. but I wouldnt take it out west and use it on the SJ.

best fishes - Brian

[Gavin]

Gone fishing's definitions are out of date. MDC revised them last year, and a current copy is available at the following:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-20.pdf

There seems to be a lot of confusion among fly fishers about soft plastics. I tend to think of "soft plastics" as plastic worms, curly tail grubs, tubes, and all the other goofy molded creations that you can buy at Bass Pro or Wally World. I also think that the intent of MDC's regulation was to ban the use of those types of lures in the Blue Ribbon trout areas. That wormy looking lure isnt made of the same stuff that they make plastic worms out of so I'd think that its perfectly legal. Cheers.