Learned a new technique - Extended Mayfly Bodies
I attended the WA FFI Casting Fair and tied some deer hair in the afternoon. I had never done anything like that before, but they asked me if I would be part of the demonstrators, and it worked out to head down. It was great fun and the best part is that I learned more than I imparted. One of their featured tiers was Dan West who happens to live in Issaquah, so close enough to get further instruction, and he demonstrated his techniques for tying extended body mayflies. He is featured in the October WA FFI newsletter (Oct 2024 Washington State Council Newsletter – wscffi). I am heading out today to get the materials that he uses. I have recently been playing around with this style of fly using deer hair but his techniques surpass anything that I have seen so far. They look great and you can do about any size. I plan to tie these at our next Pints and Flies. He claims that you just need to do a few of them to get the hang of it. The article links to detailed instructions and You Tube videos. I can't wait to get started!
My first attempts:
Phil generously met with Robin, Steve, and I yesterday afternoon about tying these mayfly bodies, etc. We enjoyed ourselves for 2 hours. Now, for some retail therapy or early Christmas gifts. Thanks, Phil