Tuesday 28 August 2012

Dubbing and hook storage

I am a fly tying and material junkie. I love fly tying and everything about it, including collecting and trying out new materials. I even find searching and buying materials thoroughly enjoyable. Yet it is addictive.  I recall reading of an experienced tyer being asked by a novice what somebody needed to start tying flies - the tyer replies, 'a shed'. Very true, we are incurable hoarders!I want to keep materials more compact and at hand.

Some of the Dubbings
But probably like most tyers, my dubbing collection is turning into a morass of fur and synthetic. I began looking for consolidation.
 


By chance, I came across two chest of drawers at an antique store for £105.00 - that screamed dubbing and hook storage or possibly flies.


It was orignally old type-face storage box. Most drawers have loads of small compartments - which are on the small side.  Below are some with some of the above dubbing boxes added to the new system.
 
Fine and Dry dubbing
Seal's fur Mixtures

Seals Fur - Greens, olives and yellows
Here is one drawer for wet fly, buzzer and long shank hooks.

It seems OK so far, I am enjoying the consolidation. I just hope my two year old does not decide he wants to expect some Kamasan hooks. Thank you for reading this post.


Preparing for Lough Mask - Daddies

I am preparing for a trip for Lough Mask in Mayo, Ireland, at the end of September. I am so looking forward to my first outing on this great West of Ireland lough. I cannot wait.


I know daddies are real a killer for this time of the year. I tied a good batch, some for me, the boat, my mate and the fish! These 'knotted pheasant tail fibres' on a stick from Veniards fly tying company makes the world of difference. The pain of tying knots in pheasant tail is all very memorable, for me anyhow!