Light Olive Soft Hackle

[Roadkill]

I created this fly to test fish along with Doug's Cream Flymph...
https://www.flymphforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11449

Hook- Wholesale Fly Company Model 28 #12
Thread- UTC 70 Yellow Olive
Tail- Imitation Wood Duck
Body-Light Olive Antron
Counter Rib- SM Gold Ultra Wire
Hackle- Whiting Pale Dun Hen Cape

RIMG2857 by William Lovelace, on Flickr

[DUBBN]

Oh heck yes

[DOUGSDEN]

Bill,
I think I know which pattern will win the comparison! Yours for sure!
Doug in the Den

[letumgo]

I love the “attitude” the hook contributes to the pattern. Wicked!

Great job Bill.

[Roadkill]

Doug,

I expect that in midday bright sunlight the nod will go to your yellow fly. I think the Antron may out fish it in lesser light conditions. I any event I expect to have doubles on the line at times!

[Althehackleman]

I really like this pattern and am going to tie some shortly. Really like using that hook style.
So a funny bit of history. I have used ‘scud’ style hooks on soft hackle flies for a few years. Was at a show, I think it was Edison NJ and was chatting with Mr. Shaner and mentioned to him that I was using scud hooks for soft hackle flies and I liked the idea that they sort of wiggled when in the water. He sort of looked at me askance, folded his arms and said, “Al, that is not the traditional way to tie them. Not going to be right”. And I stood embarrassed and saddened that I have upset him.
We still know each other and chat at shows. So I guess he does not hold a grudge.

[RickA]

So I'm not the only one who has been on the receiving end of that Shaner stare?
Would some of the old timers use scud style hooks if they were available back then?
I think so...

[letumgo]

Althehackleman,

I believe John was probably just being humorous. I do not think he meant anything negative.

[Althehackleman]

Letumgo, I feel strongly that John was not being truly upset at all. He is a very good person that loves our fishing style and has a lot of history in this stuff. A wonderful source of history and information about our sport. I have been fortunate to enjoy numerous conversations with John at different shows and always enjoyed the chats.

[letumgo]

I have been fortunate to enjoy numerous conversations with John at different shows and always enjoyed the chats.

Same here. In my experience, it is alway fun to banter with John. His knowledge is encyclopedic, and willingness to share information is bottomless.


RickA - As a “new timer” I am fond of many different hooks, both for their fishing attributes (strength; fish holding abilities; how they move; sink rate; orientation; etc.) and their design/style (subjective aspects that make fly tying fun). Scud hooks may not be traditional, but in my opinion are still worth trying. Besides, the resulting flies give you another excuse to go fishing (field trials).