Homemade Flies

[Avid Angler FL]

I posted a few days ago and realized that my hook selection wasn't the greatest for making flies, but if anyone could reccomend a few basic patterns/designs and what common materials I could use to craft a few, it would be appreciated. I just want to play around a bit with fly-tying. But the next time I'm at BPS I'm buying a Bass Fly-tying Kit.

[NateFollmer]

The only bass flies I tie are Woolly Buggers and Streamers. They are simple - I would start with that pattern to learn to tie.

I have the White River Fly kit from BPS (I bought the trout one) the DVD that comes with it is awesome, you'll learn a lot from it. I was making woolly buggers, pheasant tail nymphs and hare's ear nymphs in about an hour (not the prettiest, but they work). The best part about fly tying is just taking random material and making up your own patterns. Fox tail makes GREAT streamers for smallies and they are simple to tie.

[Bass Junkie]

Clouser....Clouser....Clouser.....Clouser..... You get the point. Dead simple to tie, easier than a Bugger, and they flat out catch fish... I've caught Bass , 'Gills, Crappie, and Steelhead on them...

[Avid Angler FL]

Thanks for the replies! How exactly would I work the woolies? The clouser should be stripped and worked constantly, similar to a jerkbait kind of action right? And what materials should I use for the clousers? Thanks!

[NateFollmer]

Buggers can be worked like a streamer or dragged across the bottom to imitate I craw.

Clousers - I haven't made one yet, but I think you need bucktail, dumbbell eyes and some flashabou. Flashabou is optional, but helps a lot on streamers.

[Avid Angler FL]

Alright. Has anyone ever had any experience with the Bass Fly Tying Kit from BPS? Also, I'm using a 5/6 weight fly rod, should I upsize to a 7/8 weight for Largemouth? What would be a decent outfit?

[Bass Junkie]

You can cast a clouser on a 5/6, but not as far as with the 7/8. I use Bucktail, Dumbell Eyes, Streamer Hooks, 6/0 White Thread, and Krystal Flash in my Clousers. Chartreuse/White is the best color I've found. I personally don't have any experience with the tying kit... I can put you on some Step by Step videos for effective flies if you'd like. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

[Avid Angler FL]

So a 5/6 weight is good outfit for Bass and Panfish?

[Jigfishn10]

I really doubt thet you'll be able to use a 5/6 on most bass flies or even weighted clousers, panfish flies and woolly Buggers you def can. 5/6 weight rods are great for hook sized flies from about a 10 on down. 8/9 weight rods you can go up to about a size 1 or 2, I'll have to look that up and re-post on this thread.

[NateFollmer]

Agreed I use a 6/7 and even have some trouble with bigger flies. I'd even go to an 8 or 9 if you can.

[Bass Junkie]

I can cast a 1/0 Bass Bug 30 yards with a 6wt........

[NateFollmer]

I can cast a 1/0 Bass Bug 30 yards with a 6wt........

Oh I'm not debating whether it can be done or not, but it's a heck of a lot easier with a heavier rod.

[Avid Angler FL]

What would be a good starting outfit for a 7/8 weight at Bass Pro Shops? Anything by Hobb's Creek good??

[Bass Junkie]

Personally, I started with a 8' BPS Power Graphite 5/6 rod, an learned on that. So Hobbs Creek is a great starting place....