mannym

Paul, Thanks for the links. I am looking forward to making a few more in preparation for the warmer months.I entered a fly swap on another site and will be doing this fly for it. Oh btw, my GF makes and sells jewelry and she had the wire you were talking about. It has been comandeered. Lets see how long it takes for her to realize I am the thief of not only her heart, but her necklace materials too. LOL Ronk, I have a 4,5,6 and 8 weight. I should be able to get this bad boy out there. Hopefully, I can keep the weight down enough to use my new 5 weight. I never thought that this could also be used as a leech. Maybe I will have a few walleyes look at this thing as well. Thanks Manny

I have never used one before. In fact, this is only my second year behind the bench. Last year I popped my cherry on buggers and clousers with good results. I spent the winter making ice fishing flies that also worked well. That has given me the interest to expand my hobby. I stumbled upon this design and couldn't help but think, " These have to be better than the standard bugger." The part I still need to figure out is how different weights will affect the action.I also intend to try diffent types of weights ( bead chain,dumbell,lead wire,etc). I am also going to try different materials for joining the two hooks. I used backing for the one above and have read that people use 30 lb mono, fireline and guitar string. It certainly changes the action on the back half but not sure at what point the action becomes too much or too little. Living so close to the vermillion river in LaSalle county, I intend to focus my open water fishing on the fiesty smallmouth bass. I would imagine that if this works well as a Helgramite, changing the color to match a minnow would provide similar results. If I decide to make my two BWCA trips, fly fishing only, I will be bringing a few of these to try there also. I would appreciate seeing other articulated flys, if anyone cares to share. Thank you! Manny

Here is my first try at tying an articulated fly: #6 and #8 hook black ice chenille black hackle beadhead backing for joining hooks black thread My question for you guys is, how soon do you start throwing these bad boys?

I few pics to update this post:

John, If this is not what Ryan is looking for, I would be interested in talking to you.

Thanks!

What ever happened to this swap? Still waiting for the last person?

You should be getting mine today,Rich. Thank you!

I have a used 2 person Speed shack for sale. It has two doors, and four windows. Anglers fish across from each other. One minor issue is that one of the clips on the cross bar is broken. I "fixed" it up with a piece of PVC and works OK. No tears orand zippers work well. I am looking to upgrade is the reason to sell. Looking for 125.00 It is located in the Starved Rock area and I drive to Bolingbrook for work and can deliver between here and there. Thanks for looking.

I think I have a pattern for this swap: I think it will be named the "Frosty Bosco", after my aging chocolate lab, Bosco. Size 12 scud with gold bead, tan/light brown marabou with a few strands of krystal flash (silver) for the tail. Body is just wrapping the hook shank with desired color (brown) and then wrapping it with clear micro stretch tube to add bulk to it. I will tie the end of the tube with white thread to add the frost.

Can you send me your address Rich mc? How many are in so far?

You guys are too too kind. I am working on a few myself. Thanks Manny

Rich, Im am leaving on the 6th of January. I would like to see what you have created. I made a few with a nymph hook last night but I could use some practice with smaller flies. Thanks for all the info.

This begs the question, Should you use a stripping basket?

Those look too real!!!! Piece of cake getting the flies in the hole. Its the bite detection in 20 mph winds with snow flying that is tricky. Ron K, I was thinking because of the crystal clear water, I would provide a good looking presentation and tip it with a little meat or something. Can the larva your talking about be bought? BTW, I plan to bring plenty of waxies, spikes, mousies, and whatever each baitshop between Utica, Illinois and Okoboji,IA has available. I might even punk them out a bit with that dust that turns them colors.

Nice pics. I found a fly that is called tequila something or other that is along the same lines of representation. Rob, Those colorful ones are quite a sight. If Dennis Rodman ice fished, those would be in his Plano box. LOL I think I have some of the material to make a few of those.I need to hit Bass pro in Bolingbrook for some scud and nymph hooks. Hopefully I can set aside an hour a few times a week and get to it. I too would love to get together and try out some of these ice flies. What is the more central location for everyone? I am in LaSalle county near Starved Rock. Thanks and keep them pictures coming.

Anyone here tie ice flies? I entered an ice tournament in Iowa on a very clear lake that is sight fished and wanted to get a move on building a plan. I did some searches on google and found a few but not sure if anyone has any experience with ice flies. Bluegill is the target Thanks Manny M

Thanks for the direction Brian. I will be looking for it after this post. Don, Thanks for choosing the words you did. You avoided a red faced situation. LOL

I happen to be a bowhunter who ties flies and was wondering what I need to do if I wanted to keep some of the hide and tail for tying my flies. Would I just buy a kit to tan or is there a better or easier way to do this? How about for other illinois game used for tying? Like Pheasant fox, chucker, etc? Thanks for any insite you can provide. MannyM Last years harvest:

Near what towns will this be at? Im in Lowell and if I am not busy, can help shuttle....

Nice assortment of flies. Thanks for sharing!

Hello, I will be camping at Mississippi Palisades State Park next weekend and was wondering if anyone had info to share regarding canoe/fishing options in that general area. I am hoping to do a stretch of the apple river near its confluence to the mississippi. Is the fishing good in that area if so, is it good smallie water or ? Is it better to head upstream and wade or can we canoe up by the Apple canyon Park? Is the backwaters worth paddling around in? As you see, I do not know the area other than that it is very scenic with lots of bluffs and overlooks. Thanks for your help. Manny M

Here is my attempt at this fly. Please note that this was my 3rd fly tied by my green hands. I will be trying this out tonight after work on a local stream known to hold Largemouth and Pike......

Would anyone be willing to send me info ( via PM) on this creek? I was wondering if it is worth my time to stop and throw a fly on my way home from work? Thanks Manny