They're here!

[dwiltshire]

It's that time of year again. The flying ants are showing and, when they blow onto the water, you can expect some exciting sport with some terrestrial imitations:



Hook: Varivas 2200BL-B #16
Thread: Sheer 14/0, grey
Butt: Pearl tinsel
Body: Spectrablend, black / peacock blend
Thorax: Squirrel
Wing: White CDC

If it sinks (or if you make it sink!) watch the leader for takes:

[Wee Jimmy]

Like them Dave... We had a fall up here a couple of weekends ago,these were about half the size of the wood ants,more of a fiery brown in colour,with a distinct orangey tip to their abdomen.They seem much more common in this area than the wood ants.They dont half get the fish up all the same....

[silversedge]

Thats the boys that are out and about over here in sunny Ayrshire Jimmy,great sport.Nice tyes by the way

[Wee Jimmy]

Originally Posted by silversedge

Thats the boys that are out and about over here in sunny Ayrshire Jimmy,great sport

What patterns do you use for them Wullie.....? Ive got a coupla wee cdc winged efforts that I like to use when the ants are on.....not as well tied as Daves though.

[silversedge]

Usually a wee fiery brown bits,though on friday all they would look at was your adams hopper s14Although it was teeming wi ants and they were certainly taking them.For half an hour they would look at nothing and were going scripto then i sussed what the buggers were on,,,,,,,,,,bloody seeds from the rosebay willow herb were blowing up over the dam wall.Fishing eh

[Wee Jimmy]

Originally Posted by silversedge

bloody seeds from the rosebay willow herb were blowing up over the dam wall.Fishing eh

Aye....me and Capn Fishy watched a fish chasing after a rolling wish up at the Lake last Sunday.......talk about rubbing salt in the wound...

[dwiltshire]

Get those imitations tied!

Thanks folks

[Mrtrout]

Dave, a serious question if I may, do you lose many fish using those Varivas hooks?
They just look like fish chuckers to me.
Nice tyings as always.
S.

[dwiltshire]

Steven,

I have been using these for about 3 years and have heard several comments questioning their ability to hook up. Personally, I have not found a problem and haven't lost fish due to the hook slipping.

They are fine wire hooks and care must be taken when striking, especially if you're lucky enough to be striking into something a little bigger. But, I really do like these hooks... and think their profile is superb.

I hope that Varivas produce a heavier wire version in the future to add to the range.

~D

[Mrtrout]

Originally Posted by dwiltshire

Steven,

I have been using these for about 3 years and have heard several comments questioning their ability to hook up. Personally, I have not found a problem and haven't lost fish due to the hook slipping.

They are fine wire hooks and care must be taken when striking, especially if you're lucky enough to be striking into something a little bigger. But, I really do like these hooks... and think their profile is superb.

I hope that Varivas produce a heavier wire version in the future to add to the range.

~D

Thanks for that Dave, it wasn't so much the hooking up, as the staying on I was thinking about, they just seem to be so fish friendly.
I trust your judgement Dave.
S.