Fly Fishing Product Review – Wapsi Premium Dubbing Wax

If you are a rookie in the obsession of tying flies or if you are a veteran who is always looking for the next best thing in fly tying materials then you should be made aware of Wapsi Premium Dubbing Wax.  When trying to bud the body of a size 18 blue winged olive you will find the use of dubbing wax to be indispensable.  The same applies to trying to build up the abdomn on your favorite stone fly pattern to be fished in the depths of nymphland.  Fly Tying Dubbing Wax has many uses and makes the dubbing process a ton simpler.

To start the process you simply pull out the length of thread which will be required to dub the section of the fly you are working.  Take the cap off of the Wapsi Premium Dubbing Wax and simply run the wax up and down the thread.  The action leaves a portion of the wax on the thread ad creates a tacky surface to which your dubbing will adhere.

I know many fly tyers that omit the wax step in their flies, but I find that it is extremely helpful in the avoidance of dubbing materials floating away from my fly.  This step can be used for dry fly bodies, nymph bodies, streamer patterns and even when creating a dubbing loop.  You will be satisfied with the end result of your tying efforts when you take the time to use Wapsi Premium Dubbing Wax.

Fly Fishing Product Review – Loon Hard Head Cement

I love to tie my own flies.  When I learned to fly fish I also learned to tie flies.  I do not know if that is the way that most folks learn to tie, but I was fortunate enough to be given tying lessons when I was young as a gift.  They are one of the best gifts I have ever received.  Throughout my years of tying I have come across items that are invaluable for certain flies.  Loon Hard Head Cement is one of those fly tying products that I can not tie without.

Loon Hard Head cement has taken the place of many products on my fly tying bench.  I use the product as a head cement, an epoxy substitute and a slow curing replacement for super glue.  I also find that I can coat the backs of nymph shucks to provide a realistic finish.  Once I coat the back I even use permanent markers to add some color variations to the nymphs.

Another item which needs to be mentioned in this review of tying flies using loon hard head cement is the fact that the product is water soluable and made by one of the companies that takes environmentally friendly steps to ensure their products are earth friendly.  This is great for the environment and also allows the fly tier to thin out the product using pure water.  If your loon hard head cement starts to become too think you can add a drop or two of water to thin it out.

In summary, I find that Loon Hard Head cement is a product worthy of your tying bench.  It has allowed me to develop and refine some of my own patterns in a way that would be difficult to replicate.

Pike Fly Fishing Articles – A Blog About Fly Fishing for Pike

I have spent much time on the internet searching aimlessly for interesting articles and blogs about fly fishing.  I reside in Michigan and am able to stream fish for trout, bass and pike.  I have always enjoyed the long and strong tug that happens when you hook into a pike on a fly rod.  I do believe that I have found one of the best sites devoted to fly fishing for pike.  If you enjoy reading articles, viewing pictures of pike on the fly and discovering all new fly patterns for pike fly fishing then you have to visit my friends blog: http://pikeflyfishingarticles.blogspot.com/.

You will not be disappointed.

DryFlyWaters.com Starts to Sell Gator Board for Stretching Watercolor Paper

If you have ever wanted to try watercolor painting and found that the paper wrinkles when you get it wet I have found the ultimate solution.  I use gator board foam for stretching my watercolor paper prior to painting. 

This allows me to use as much water as I want in as many washes as I feel necessary to get the color or look I am working towards.  Gator foam board is a light weight foam product that allows the painter to stretch the paper with just a household stapler. 

If you are interested in purchasing gator foam pre-cut for watercolor paper sizes then visit my site at:  http://dryflywaters.com/

“Flies Only” Original Watercolor Art Work Completed by Jonathon A. Waske

I tend to spend the winter months working on tying flies and painting or drawing new fishing related items.  The fall weather inspired me to paint a new landscape scene titled “Flies Only”.   I spend many days throughout the fishing season on sections of the Au Sauble, Pere Marquette and the Manistee. 

"Flies Only" original watercolor painting by Jonathon A. Waske

All three of these rivers have sections dedicated as flies only.  Ths painting is a culmination of my time spent fishing these stretches of water.  I love the art of fly fishing and creating fly fishing art.

Jonathon A. Waske

http://www.dryflywaters.com/

Fly Fishing Scene In the Works

I have spent the last few weeks deciding on a few new subjects and items to paint.  I decided to paint a new fly fishing scene first in order to expand my library of this style of painting.  I have some details to add, but figured I would post this painting now.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thank You – JW

New Work in Progress – Brown Trout In Hand – Still Working

It is always a tought decision when I paint or draw something new to decide when the item is complete.  I think that any time you create something you are your own toughest critic.  This is a watercolor painting I have been working on of a brown trout as he is to be released back into the water unharmed. 

I am close to finishing the work, but I keep playing with the colors. 

Please let me know what you think of the painting so far.

Thank You – JW

Realistic Fly Patterns – Stone Fly and a Mayfly Emerger

I have taken a keen interest in the art of realistic fly tying over the past few years. The following photo’s are of a few of the realistic patterns that I have tied recently.

Please let me know what you think of the end results.

This is a mayfly emerger pattern to be fished in the “film”.

Thank You – JW

5 Flyfishing Forums – A Great List to Start your Online Fly Fishing Experience

I have taken some time in order to assemble a list of flyfishing forums that I have visited or actively post.  If you enjoy trout fishing streams, fly casting to smallmouth or carp fishing you will find a flyfishing forum and group of friends to talk with here. Flyfishing forums are one of the best locations to meet fishing patners, discuss fly fishing methods and discover new items.  Please enjoy the list and join the groups.

I hope to talk with you soon at one of the flyfishing forums.

1.  http://dryflywaters.com/flyfishingforums/

2.  http://flyflicker.com/Default.aspx

3.  http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/indexold.php

4.  http://flyfishingforums.hipwader.com/

5.  http://www.greatlakesforum.com/index.php/Michigan-Fishing-Hunting-Recreation-Resources.html

Trout Time slows – Bass Time Approaches

I have often spent a ton of my winter time pining for the first glint of the spring sun to inspire the dawn of trout season. Once that time is upon is I begin to think of the dog days of summer in which I hit the bass rivers at the end of a long humid day to fight off the mosquitoes in order to pursue the second passion of my fishing season – small mouth bass.

The start of my trout time this year was spent on a local stream and a 4 day trip to fish the Northern Michigan rivers. The weather was still cool and the fishing was tough. The spring and summer have been strange here in Michigan.

Now that I am planning a few smallie trips I hope the weather and the fish cooperate.

Wish me luck and keep the thoughts of fall trout, salmon and steelies in your thoughts as you pursue the bronze-backs.