For my first hundred years I tied with a Thompson A, the next 100 with an HMH standard, and now with a Renzetti Presentation. I too found the Traveller "too light". Having a full rotary vise was something I did not know I needed until I got one.
Not to knock anyone's ingenuity, but from what I have seen here, the brush table seems to be a solution in search of a problem. I suspect it would be worthwhile for a commercial tier, but for the hobby tier, not so much.
Rusty Spinner with Egg Sac (2 variations)
I don't know if there is a West Coast variation, but the Hendrickson Fly (Ephemerella subvaria) is a big time important Hatch in New England. They come in a few different varieties of color and size, so local species determine what you dunk into the...
I have fished for Shad both in the Potomac in DC and in the Merrimack in Newbury Port MA. Shad like brightly colored streamer type flies. Shad "darts" and cone head flies produce the most success. I have caught some on orange & bright green Hornbergs as well. They run into the river in the...
Check out Green Mountain Adventures in Middlebury, or The Fly Rod Shop in Stowe. The Stowe shop is more focused on fishing as the GMA shop is more of an "all around" sport store, but they do have a fair amount of gear and are about 2 blocks from Otter Creek. They also cater to the "Hackey...
A climate change impact story:
This link "should" work, but who knows
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/12/travel/lytton-fire-canada.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dE0.CCG4.bVcQDDPmjVgv&smid=url-share
I have seen similar behavior with Land Locked Salmon and Smelt. Often, Salmon will jump into the air and smash down on the Smelt to stun them. They then return and eat the immobile fish.
I use Scribbles 3D paint for eyes on epoxy heads. The paint is "goopy" and you can just dab it on. The paint also sticks up from the surface and is possibly more attractive, but only the fish know. Also, the Scribble paint is cheap. I get it at Michael's, and I believe it is about $ 8 for a...
I know its behind a paywall, but is such an odd story it is worth looking for. Maybe a local PNW outlet will cover the story
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/14/nation/montana-giant-sheep-breeding-case/
UV materials were all the "rage" maybe 10 years ago, or so. Allegedly, they are attractive to fish who supposedly see more in the UV range. I never really saw any data that convinced me that UV ties were "better". All is anecdotal and I suspect mostly generated by the marketing departments of...
Leasing, rather than buying (at $1,000/per panel) seems to be the norm here in New England. It seems no impediment to selling a house as prospective buyers are advised of the lease and understand that they need to take it over. The leasing companies seem to have no issue with the transaction...
Last summer, I towed a rowboat back to the ramp using the 30lb electric motor on my canoe. They had broken an oar lock and were trying to get back to the ramp using one oar. It was kind of pathetic, but at least they were trying. It was only about 300 yards back to the dock, so it did not...
Purple soft hackle works great. It is one of my "go to" flies as a dropper behind a dry when Hendricksons, or other dark Mayflies are coming off. I tie #12 and 16 and have had good luck with both