We seem to have quite a few newer fly tyer's and there seems to be some interest in doing some more fly swaps. I'm not too interested in hosting a swap right now, so I have an alternative proposal I'd like to try.

How about a "Fly of the Month Challenge"?

Everyone would tie the same pattern and then post a picture of one of your flies.

One of the benefits to me of fly swaps was the chance to compare your flies to other tyer's work and the incentive to do your best work and to get better so that I was sharing flies that I was proud to put my name on. I think that posting a picture of your work would produce similar results, because you'd be able to compare your fly to those of others and would give you an opportunity to improve your tying skills. Having a deadline also forces me to sit down and tie.

What do you think? Anyone interested?

Here're are the details:

1. The February fly will be a traditional style pattern "Woolly Bugger". (The traditional pattern includes a marabou tail, chenille body, palmered hackle, and a wire rib; then you can add whatever else you want to add.)
2. Post a picture of one of your flies before Feb 28.
3. Have fun.
4. That's it...

Basically, just tie a fly and post a picture.

So, why am I suggesting everyone tie the same fly pattern? Personally, I learn more when I compare one of my flies to the same fly from someone. I usually get new ideas and learn new techniques.

Quick word of caution, the camera is brutally honest and it tends to highlight every mistake. I'll probably tie multiple flies and then take a picture of the best of the options.

I'll try to post some tips for taking pictures of flies soon. There are some simple techniques that can make a big difference in how a fly looks in a picture (one of the best and easiest is to crop the picture.)

For reference, here's a link to the IFFF's version of a traditional Woolly Bugger starting on page 42. You do not have to use this exact version, it is just for reference.


http://www.fedflyfishers.org/Portals/0/F...7-28-140955-453

I'm in. Not new to tying, but still struggle with the traditional dry flies. Heading out to CBSP tomorrow morning, followed by pulling a all nighter to get back onto third shift. So I'll post my picture tomorrow night on Monday morning.

Thank you. Yes, I hope all skill and experience levels will participate.

I agree with you, I struggle with traditional dry flies too. I just rarely them. If this proposal proves popular, I hope to select a variety of fly styles to force some of us (especially myself) out of our comfort zones to learn something new.

Well Rex I'll participate in any one that I have the material for each month, and if I don't have the materials I'll go get them before the deadline hopefully and participate then.

By the way Rex, I think we met before a few years back. At Supreme Bass and again at Lake Fork a few years after that.

I'm in

wooly booger-p-

maybe better pic(closeup)-p-

That is not me. I think that is Jim Bass. He is one of the casting instructors in the Fort Worth club. But, we may have met somewhere else.

Pearow, thanks for starting us off with the first fly. And it's a nice example too.

As promised. My version of a mini woolly bugger. Looks crowded to me.
#12 60� barbless jig hook
Copper Tungsten bead
Black marabou tail with a bit of black crystal flash
Black chenille body
Copper wire rib
Grizzly hackle

Cool. I like your idea; anyone can tie one a month. I make it a point to tie at least one a day. Barker; it'l fish!-p-

Thanks Gene

Here's my fly for February:

Woolly Bugger

Hook: Mustad 9672 size 6
Tail: Olive marabou
Rib: Copper wire (brassie size)
Body: Olive chenille
Hackle: Barred Chartreuse
Thread: Olive brown

So, anyone else what to participate? It's just one fly...