golden pheasant tippet - reaslly necessary?

[matt_b]

A query about golden pheasant tippets:

seeing as it seems rather difficult to get these in good condition, are they really necessary? Could one not just use (for instance) chrome yellow floss or something similar in all the patterns that call for them?

Having tied up some pennels with this, I think they look far better with a floss tail rather than GP tippet.

Any thoughts?

[Wee Jimmy]

Only necessary in order to keep a dressing authentic Matt.Subbing a tippet or topping with floss is the most obvious way to spice up an old dressing.It pays to be aware that fluo tails can be as much a turn off as they can be attractive at times.....

[matt_b]

I thought as much!

My other 'cunning' (in the immortal words of Baldrick) plan has been to use old 15lb mono as a body for nymphs. It's amazing! With green or brown thread round the hook, it really looks like the translucent body of an actual nymph, with some gut content. Very pleased with myself...

[bill1]

There was an article in FF&FT, Dec 2010, just happened to be re-reading it last night, on making buzzer bodies from clear and coloured mono. I tried it and they looked alright but I gave them a couple of swims without any success - mind, it was midwinter!

Not thought of applying it to nymphs. Good idea

[fredaevans]

Some years back (lived in Nor. California at the time) my most successful winter run Steelhead fly was done on a size 8 or 10 thin wire hook. Brass bead head and the rest of he tie (body) was bright red Amnesia running line over flat silver tinsel.

Thing almost 'glowed in the dark' when wet.