Monday February 28th A Tribute to Sylvester Nemes

Doug Pullen was our guest tyer tonight. Those of us who have taken in Doug's presentations in the past knew that we were in for a very educational evening of fly tying. Twenty three fly tyers came to learn about soft hackle flies. Doug brought along a number of books on soft hackle flies; several were authored by Sylvester Nemes who recently passed away. Sylvester Nemes loved soft hackle flies and he created a renewed interest in this type of fly.

Soft hackle flies date back to the 1400s and they maybe the oldest documented flies having a rich history in England. I saw Bernie smile when he heard this. The bodies of a soft hackle fly are usually made from silk, floss or peacock herl. The most popular feather for the soft hackle is from the Hungarian partridge. A sparse soft hackle is usually the most effective.

Soft hackle flies can imitate caddis pupae, drowned mayflies duns and spinners, caddis adults, stoneflies and winged terrestrials. It's amazing how a fly that has 500 years of history is still just as effective now as in the past.

Thanks, Doug, for a fantastic evening of fly tying. We are very appreciative of your effort to teach us all about Soft Hackle Flies.

Next week, Rick Miyauchi is our guest tyer. I wonder what Rick will wear? See you on March 7th.

The Sportsman Show is on the weekend. Willy is going to tie flies and teach interested people how to tie a basic fly. If you have some time on Saturday, drop Willy an e-mail and set up a time to lend a hand. Thanks for doing this Willy. You can e-mail Willy right here:

whspy@shaw.ca

Remember that John Howard from Howard's Hackle will be at next week's session. He will be set up at 6:30 p.m. If you have any specific orders, be sure to contact Howard Hackle with your order and he will bring it next Monday.

Bob

Doug Pullen

The Gang taking in Doug's presentation.

As always, Doug gave his audience a great deal of insight into Soft Hackle Flies.

Partridge and Orange Spider

Hook: Mustad 3906B size 12

Thread: 8/0 or 70 denier orange

Body:- Orange floss or silk

Hackle: Brown partridge

Pheasant Tail Flymph

Hook: 3906B size 12

Thread: 8/0 or 70 denier dark brown or black thread

Trailing Shuck: Brown and white z-lon

Ribbing: Fine gold or copper wire

Body: Pheasant tail

Thorax: Peacock herl

Hackle: Brown Partridge

Sly's (Sills) Midge

Hook: TMC 100 size 16

Thread: Black 8/0

Rib: Fine gold wire

Body: Peacock herl

Hackle: Grey Partridge

Gary and Rick tying their soft hackle flies.