06-28-2012, 10:34 AM
[cool][#0000ff]As a kid in Idaho the "mites" were about the only flies used by my dad and uncles. They fished them on old undressed fly lines and their presentations were anything but finesse. But those things caught lots of fish and they were sturdy...holding up to lots of big toothy trout. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am sure they still work today but it has been many years since I had one tied on my line. Like many fly flingers I have "evolved" to newer patterns that use different materials and are easier to tie. In fact, I can find no rationalization for even using them except "tradition". [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The Potts flies were developed before the use of marabou (turkey blood quills) became popular and were so widely available...cheap. It is hard to beat the fish-attraction of marabou. And there are so many new synthetic materials that also make some fantastically effective patterns.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When you come over for the rod repair thing I can show you some options and sample you on some patterns to try...as potential replacements. I can also show you what is involved in the weaving process...just in case you are masochistic enough to want to persist in sticking with the hair flies.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I respectfully suggest that sometimes it is more important to just have basic colors, size and presentation skills rather than an exact pattern. The Potts flies are strictly "representational" patterns that can simulate a wide range of potential food items. It's not like they match any hatches. So other patterns of similar size, shape and color will generally get similar results. And substituting modern sexy colors and more active materials can even improve on the originals.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am sure they still work today but it has been many years since I had one tied on my line. Like many fly flingers I have "evolved" to newer patterns that use different materials and are easier to tie. In fact, I can find no rationalization for even using them except "tradition". [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The Potts flies were developed before the use of marabou (turkey blood quills) became popular and were so widely available...cheap. It is hard to beat the fish-attraction of marabou. And there are so many new synthetic materials that also make some fantastically effective patterns.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]When you come over for the rod repair thing I can show you some options and sample you on some patterns to try...as potential replacements. I can also show you what is involved in the weaving process...just in case you are masochistic enough to want to persist in sticking with the hair flies.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I respectfully suggest that sometimes it is more important to just have basic colors, size and presentation skills rather than an exact pattern. The Potts flies are strictly "representational" patterns that can simulate a wide range of potential food items. It's not like they match any hatches. So other patterns of similar size, shape and color will generally get similar results. And substituting modern sexy colors and more active materials can even improve on the originals.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
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