Playing with old timers

[Englander]

Hi Guys

Like many here ive only been fly fishing for a few years and am rediscovering older patterns that have fallen from grace. Im having fun tying them and learning more about them and hopefully catching a few fish on them

Recent posts have bought old lure patterns to our attention........interesting when looking at these older lures , they all seem to be tied on "long shank hooks" most seem to have "no" or either very short tails, often very "slim" bodys compared with todays lures, much more simple material i.e wool, game bird feathers i suppose simple materials at hand.

Anyway ive been playing with a few patterns you "old timers" have probably even fished with

Well heres my Jack frost (variation) I believe the original had white wool body ? Not too sure as ive never handled one

Hook: Size 8 long shank
Thread: black
Tail: Red wool
Rib: oval french
Body: Pearl glister dubbing
Wing: White marabou
Head hackle: White over Red hackle



Here my Sweeny Todd's (variation)

[arkle]

You're right the original did have a white wool body, Sirdar white baby nylon-wool & it was over-wrapped with polythene a bit like the polystickle style. There was no ribbing. The tail, from memory was a mix of red & white hackle fibres I think you'll find. I always preferred to use white thread rather than the original black, then you could use a white frosted nail varnish on it. In it's day a very effective fly.

[steve collyer]

I used the Jack Frost a fair bit in the '80s & this is how I was taught to make it:

Hook:
6-10 long shank
Silk:
Black (head finished with white varnish) or white
Tail:
Fluorescent red wool
Body:
Fluorescent white wool with a layer of strecthed PVC over
Wing:
White marabou
Hackles:
1 crimson & 1 white (tied in together - white in front)

The variation at the top of the thread looks very well tied.