Threadless Buzzers,

[BobP]

I read the article by Rob in the June issue of Trout & Salmon, & because I like a bit of a challenge set out to tie some. After a false start or two I've now got it about right.

One thing that Rob could have mentioned in his piece is that it pays to have two versions of Hard as Nails available. The thicker consistency which helps to form the teardrop thorax, and then a fresh, new bottle which is a much thinner consistency which is better for varnishing over a couple of coats.

I've made up a dark olive version on a size 14 and it does catch fish. Does it catch more fish than say a Quill Buzzer, or a Traffic Light or a Red Neck Buzzer? Probably not. I had 11 fish from Farmoor 1 week before last. 4 on the threadless and 7 split between the other two flies. So, it's a good fly, possibly a great fly - bit too early to say.

One thing, though, once you get the hang of it, it's a quick and easy fly to tie. It's just the messing about with Hard as Nails bottles that takes the time! It is certainly a brilliant concept and Rob deserves a big pat on the back for coming up with it. I shall certainly do a lot more of them.

[emerger1981]

been tying them for 3 years..


no offence to scratch, he was probably tying them years before me..

[lewins]

I had a bash and really struggled with that first locking turn with the rib, kept slipping up and down the shank. Do you have to have the rib really tight to lock its self in? How do you stop it slipping?

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by BobP

I had 11 fish from Farmoor...4 on the threadless..

Hope you weren't float fishing, Bob

You're right Bob, I should have mentioned using the thicker consistency Sally on the thorax. No doubt seasoned tyers like yourself were onto that on in a flash though. The trick with the Sally is not to put too much on at the thorax at once - you still have two more coats of regular Sally to apply to allow you to build the thorax profile. I've now sarted doing the thorax with Bugbond, and then two coats of regular Sally to finish... I'm not a fan of the 'raw' Bugbond finish - too tacky, and soon dulls off. The finished article is virtually identical, but the Bugbond saves me a whole heap of time.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words Bob. It's a great thrill to hear positive feedback from anyone, but especially from experienced anglers. Glad you like 'em

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by lewins

I had a bash and really struggled with that first locking turn with the rib, kept slipping up and down the shank. Do you have to have the rib really tight to lock its self in? How do you stop it slipping?

That first locking turn is a tight as a mouses ear... stretch the Spanflex to within an inch of its life! The actual ribbing turns do not need any real tension at all, just enough to hold them firmly in place.

[marks]

Yes there is some good mileage in these flies. Tied up some but not given them the real go they deserve. Will be though. Did first try them after the buzzer comp you ran Rob but could not fathom the method.... Still find the wing buds not going as planned.

Not to disrupt this thread but as a note, I have also tied some the Davie Mc's angel hair midge pupa's. Think the vid was stopped and is being re done. I have no angel hair so subbed with orange antron. The wing buds on these are more pleasing in the end product for me at the moment. These in black have worked very well on Chew and on Blagdon. May be some combo's of the two spun up on my desk soon.

Cheers,
Mark

[arkle]

Rob, deercreek do a tack free product similar to bugbond

[BobP]

Lewins,

I found that it depends on which hook you are using and also which Spanflex. Some seem to be "slipperier" than others! Persistence, as always, pays off in the end.

Scratch,

Of course I wasn't using a float! I was fishing an 18' leader and an indicator. Big difference there.

I also found it easier when finishing the fly to do one turn over the wing buds and then do the single turn whip finish under the buds and up against the eye of the hook. This seemed to stop the wing buds moving.

I'll try the Bugbond tip.

Cheers

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by BobP

Of course I wasn't using a float!

Yes you were

[andypandy]

Im fishing at belflask tommo and tied myself. Grey, Olive, Black, Lime and white. They might get a fish under the bung if nothing is biting on the retrieve

hahahahahahha (evil Laugh)