Recent comments

Paul,
 
 I tend to a

Paul,

I tend to agree and then disagree with you at the same time. Sure you can't measure the diameter of threads, which are not round, but in the cases where I have actually measured the threads, I have done so repeatedly on several threads using the methodology described, and even though you might think that such measures would yield very different results when repeated over a length of thread, the numbers actually varied very little for the threads I worked with. Sure the measuring itself can maybe affect the result, but my impression is that the result is actually a valid measurement for a thickness - attempting to avoid using the term diameter here. It indicates a circle round thread, which only very few threads are. A more fair measure could be dimensions - measured on the smallest and largest thickness when imagining the thread cross section as a rectangle. Unfortunately it's beyond my skills and my tools to do such a measurement.

Regarding the use of Denier, you are right inasmuch as it's a true, physical measurement, but there are simply too many aspects and factors to take onto consideration for it to be useful for the average fly-tyer in assessing the properties of a certain thread - not to mention comparing thread from different manufacturers made of different materials using different methods. It's still insufficient to be able to select a thread for the far majority of fly tyers. One 70 Denier thread can be as different from another 70 Denier thread as one 8/0 thread can be from an 8/0 thread from another manufacturer. As long as neither materials nor fusing or spinning methods are specified, the Denier number is as confusing to most as the aught system.

I have your tying thread booklet and can warmly recommend it. GFF readers can order it through your web site. The aim of my article was not to recommend certain threads for certain uses, but to raise a discussion about the very confusing standards used to label threads mainly sparked by my own frustration and confusion.

Martin

Martin, I disagree w

Martin, I disagree with some of your methods and conclusions. First, you cannot measure the diameter of thread (except for the very specific case of a round monofilament thread). That's because thread isn't round, and so has no "diameter." Moreover, as you partially recognised, in many instances the act of measuring affects the measurement. In statistical terms your measurements are reliable but not valid. In other words, you are consistently and systematically measuring the wrong, or a meaningless, value.
Denier, or decitex (a similar measurement in general commercial use), is the only way to reasonable assess thread "sizes" AND only when comparing threads of like material and construction. On the other hand, breaking strength can be reliably measured and so is a legitimate basis for thread comparisons. Of course one understands that even saying something is constructed of polyester filaments doesn't guarantee identical properties as the filaments are subject to scores of manufacturing tolerances. If you had total information about a thread's properties (such as specific gravity among others), one could calculate a cross-sectional area and hence an "effective diameter," for whatever that would be worth. For example, given the identical "effective diameter," a 1-ply thread would tie differently from a 2-ply one, a twisted one differently from a flat one, a waxed one differently from unwaxed; etc..
The "ought" system has been completely adulterated and so, at least on a global scale, is now completely meaningless. At one time responsible respoolers kept the numbers at least relative. But, because there was no standard, not even a definition, some respooling brands simply invented numbers to make their thread appear more attractive. In some cases they even gave the same thread different numbers to make it appear that they sold a range of sizes.
Is there any hope for standardization of fly-tying thread designations? No. It's a small market and the wild-west of "ought" designations suits some players. If you want to see a struggle to get some consistency in a "similar" angling product, one need only look at the case of monofilament line in the European market (relative to fly-tying thread a mega-market). Even in monos, there is variation in "roundness" (some are oval) and so pure diameter measurements aren't always possible.
What is true is that one should select thread based on the use (my booklet, How to Choose and Use Fly-tying Thread, can help here) and whether or not you trust the brand to provide accurate information. So while I disagree with what you say "will work" - besides, attempting to put that much information on a spool label is completely impractical - I applaud your attempt to try and clarify some of the issues.

Paul Marriner

Outdoor Writing & Photography. Owner: Gale's End Press. Member: Outdoor Writers of Canada. Author of: (new) Mahone Bay Mornings, Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies, 2nd Edition; A Compendium of Canadian Fly Patterns (co-author); Stillwater Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics; How to Choose & Use Fly-tying Thread; Atlantic Salmon: A Fly Fishing Reference (OP); Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies (OP); Miramichi River Journal (OP); Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic Salmon (OP).

It needs improvement

It needs improvement. A version for thick weeds. Other flies have a clump of rabbit hair that works like a weed guard...

Comment to Eunan Hendron

Thanks for checking the flies. I'm glad you like them.

Eunan

I just watched Fish

I just watched Fish On. Real men are the men in Reel Recovery. God ,our Creator, made us perfect and then man fell. The greatest challenge is knowing God did not give these men cancer. It is a disease that was produced in the fall. But Jesus is a Fisher of men and I pray as these men continue to see the awesomeness of God and that they will each have a Divine encounter with God who gives eternal life through His son Jesus. God bless these brave hearted men. Fish on. Many thanks to Reese.

Rocky:

Rocky:
Hook - from #16 to #10

White & Brown:

Bug (Foam body):

Stonefly emerger:

Stelt 1:

Cheers.

Tied this fly with d

Tied this fly with dubbing from an old dog after combing him out one day. I had saved the comb-out for just such a venture.
Buster was a Samoyed and thus pure white. I used the Oscar recipe substituting Buster's contribution. I have had great luck on the Upper Mohawk River and the West Canada Creek . . . both in Central New York State

Comment to Eunan Hendron

Thank you for taking an interest in my flies, I have had many pleasant moments while creating and tying my flies. It gives me great pleasure to see others tying and enjoying my patterns. BTW ( Nice job on the flies.)

Gray Wolf Oquossoc Maine

My name is Mark. I w

My name is Mark. I will be heading to Belgium in July to see my Fiance. I am an East coast Surfcaster. Mid to late july I will be north of La Rochelle, France. Her family and I are camping somewhere close to the coast. I am bringing my fishing stuff, 8'6" rod 15 lb line on a spinning reel and some of my plugs yozuri, sp minnow, etc. I tie some good sand eel flies and will have plenty of them. I'd be stoked to fish with someone.

Brad,

No, this mo

Brad,

No, this mouse tends to dive if you fish it too fast. A dead drift with a twitch now and then works best. Or you could add a foam lip in the front of the mouse to press it above the surface when it's retrieved.

Martin

Hi Boys.

Hi Boys.
Two Guppies on hook #10. Tail from marabou (the colors are your choie).
Body - spectra dubbing.

Olive and orange marabou tail. Olive spectra dubbing body:

Dark violet and red marabou tail. Brown spectra dubbing body:

Together:

Cheers.

Does this mouse plan

Does this mouse plane on the top of the water like other mice patterns? It has been my experience that the more the mouse skitters and skips on the surface the more violent and acrobatic the strike.

River Otters moved i

River Otters moved into the water system about five years ago...I've seen 'em. The big trout have become Otter food, but you can still have fun with a 2 weight rod.

Some Wet Flies from my

Some Wet Flies from my collection for 2014 year:

Cheers.

Planning to visit Scarborough

Hi George,
My wife & I are planning to visit Scarborough some time in mid July. A life long fly fisherman for trout, I only recently added stripers to my short list of quarry fish. I have a two person kayak and am planning on trying the vast Scarborough River estuary for stripers. I'd welcome & appreciate any advice along any lines (time of day, best tide conditions, hot spots, patterns) as well as your company, if you're interested. I'm exclusively C&R for trout, and so far, ditto for stripers.

Comment to Marcelo Morales Streamer Collection 201

Outstanding work!

Comment to Speckled Fire Matuka (Cree) by Marcelo

Looks good & very much like a minnow that would work on slow, warm water lakes in upstate, NY, USA! Thanks for the recipe & look see!

Is this book availab

Is this book available without using the Kindle or any other e-book. I would be interested in a book copy.

I got a lot of sampl

I got a lot of samples and they look good ,I even wrote to them and asked what kind of hooks they use.they seems to know all the hook companies .they want me to send them money first , but when I told them I pay by PayPal,
I never hearted from them again
At first I tough they were for real but when I saw that caddis larva bottom right I know they are ford
Thank you for shearing that with us
Tony.cassar bowriverangling.com

I like it Martin. I

I like it Martin. I'm heading up to Northern Ontario in mid-July, gives me a new fly to try. Should work for the smallmouth to. It should work around here, probably in a smaller size for the bass and chain pickerel in the local lakes. I'll let you know how it works.
Jerry

Two effective fly for slow

Two effective fly for slow water.

Tracker:

Eastern Foreigner:

Cheers.

Very simple and inte

Very simple and interesting solution. Thanks Martin.
Miro

Several attractors:

Several attractors:

Pink but:

Yellow Hackle:

Yellow Wing:

Fun:

All the best. Cheers.
Miro

Hi boys.

Hi boys.
I will present a few of my models flies that have proven over the years. I love these flies because they are simple, but very effective. They can be made ​​in different materials and in different colors. Both are made, they always work.

Egg pupa:

Swiss straw wing fly:

Segmented polyester body.

Parachutes (red rib):

Parachutes (yellow rib):

Spectra Dubbing Body:

Double hackle, peacock body:

An Atractor:

Raven:

Sowbug - one of many options:

I use these flies more than 40 years, made ​​from different materials and colors.

Cheers and many good fishes.
Miro