When does herl out-fish the rest?

[thedeadskunk]

Just been looking at "Steve Collyers" thread:
Black buzzer - simple and utterly deadly
http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-tying...ly-deadly.html

I cannot remember the last time I used a herl buzzer.
I always use epoxy buzzers, flexifloss buzzers, B.P seal fur buzzer(Black or Olive), Daiwl Bach's and the good old Cruncher.


My question: Is there a time when conditions are just right that the herl buzzer out-fishes all of the above?



www.thedeadskunk.com

[Charliea1234]

I have to say that I only use flexifloss patterns as actual buzzers, although I also use DB's and crunchers.

My own belief, in spite of having a couple of favourite buzzer patterns and seeing some fabulous examples on here is that the actual PATTERN does not matter that much - I can't remember being outfished by someone because they had a buzzer that i did not.

Depth, presentation and size are more important IMO.

Charlie

[bigtroot]

Originally Posted by Charliea1234

Depth, presentation and size are more important IMO.

Charlie

I will second that

[jonnied17-2008]

herl is used to replace flexifloss etc so the fly fishes higher in the water more about depth than the pattern.

[bigtroot]

Originally Posted by jonnied17-2008

herl is used to replace flexifloss etc so the fly fishes higher in the water more about depth than the pattern.

Mince

Just stick a bigger booby on the point

[jonnied17-2008]

LOL sorry my answer was aimed at the 'non-bung' brigade

[Chris Reeves]

I have been experimenting with buzzers for about 10 years and I now use three basic types:-

Type 1, Herl body, peacock thorax small white breathers. Fished on a floating line and sinks very slowly. Ideal for fishing from the banks across the wind

Type 2 Spanflex body , small white breathers , sinks slightly faster and my first choice on a washing line set up

Type2a As above but body varnished to give it a tad more weight and faster sink rate

Type3 All thread buzzer , Three coats of Sally Hanson hard as nails. Often tied short ie size 14 fly on a size 12 hook ..fishes very deep and can be pulled without coming right up to the top

Once you add in cheeks, ribbing, different colours etc etc etc you suddenly have (as I do) several boxes of just buzzers.

Hope this helps. Incidentally for aesthetic reasons I prefer the herl buzzers especially Heron herl which is a great natural colour.

Cheers

[Rob Edmunds]

My own belief, in spite of having a couple of favourite buzzer patterns and seeing some fabulous examples on here is that the actual PATTERN does not matter that much - I can't remember being outfished by someone because they had a buzzer that i did not.

Depth, presentation and size are more important IMO.

Charlie[/QUOTE]

I've always tended to agree with you as regards depth, presentation being more important.......however on occasions the fly does make a difference..

Many years ago i fished in a Squad day on Grafham with Davie Parker (who was fishing for the Ospreys at the Time)...

He wanted to fish nymphs and as I knew where the fish where I had no objections....as I thought I might learn something....He set up the bung and proceeded to whack the fish...

i set up the bung same length droppers, same diameter fluro etc....fished them literally 6ft apart and couldn't buy a take.....Why...

I copied everything...fished them static for 10 seconds then a 2ft slow pull etc.....still nothing..

In the end I asked to look at his flies. They were all stripped quill buzzers.....He gave me one from his box and i instantly started to catch......I even moved it about on my cast just to prove a point to myself that it was the fly and not the depth etc....

He told me that it's the best buzzer pattern he's ever used and is pretty much all you'll ever need....Since then we've added slight twists like a traffic light (pearl over red holo tinsel) wing case ...but the pattern in essance stays the same.

And he was right it is the only buzzer you'll ever need...just in a few different sizes..

So I thing there are occasions that the fly can make all the difference.

[Shamus]

A pattern which i've found more productive than most is similar to the quill buzzers you described Rob but i omitt the thorax cover and use a couple of turns of micro straggle fritz supported by biot cheeks. Black, olive with orange, red, yellow biots. Smashing on the washing line.



Shaun

[Stillwater angler]

[QUOTE=Rob Edmunds;578144]

I've always tended to agree with you as regards depth, presentation being more important.......however on occasions the fly does make a difference..


I agree Bob, there's a lot of emphasis towards the ' method ' which i would also agree with, but there does seem to be not as much focus towards the ' right ' fly , both are equally as important as each other.


Sorry, but i have to say.......... i don't find herl in buzzers as effective as other anglers, especially when puddle fishing .

This buzzer below has been easily my top small water buzzer for years..... very basic pattern. Thanks to Hasbeen for this one.



Here's a couple of beefyier buzzers i use for the larger waters. Thanks to Watsons Fancy for this one.





Rob, i got some lovely olive stripped q's from Bob Church for Grafham,,,,.... there mustard mate............ thinking back i'm sure he said he got em from Dave.