Perdigons

jact55 · Jun 16, 2023

rotato said:
A little late to the party but I’ve been stoked on these flies
they just get down to work
does anybody have a good source for the hooks and slotted beads
my local fly shop is limited in selection
so I ordered some Hanáks on Amazon

is there better options?
thanks
cheers

Billy mentioned this guy. I just placed a decent order with him that showed up while I was out fishing. All looks good.
Half prices local fly shops generally.

skagit anglers | eBay Stores

fly tying hooks and beads

www.ebay.com

Tom Butler · Jun 17, 2023

James St. Clair said:
Perdigon = pellet.

I can't bring myself to fish a pellet, so I always add a little bit of something.

Duracell Jig has been spectacular lately. I think this works cause it's basically an @Tom Butler Hare's Ear type fly.
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This Spanish Bullet soft hackle is a favorite of mine. Should have tried it today, but the Duracell works so good this time of year. This Spanish Bullet excels in the fall.
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Those look like deadly ties. I don't know where I picked up that template, but it works. Two key elements for me, a bead and a soft hackle. I figured that was enough, but a partridge and orange with bead isn't very good for me. And I still have not had much luck with a beadhead PT this spring. Just seems to be the correct amount of tailing, body fullness, movement of the hackle, and of course the trout bead, to make it work.

mcswny · Jun 17, 2023

Tom Butler said:
Those look like deadly ties. I don't know where I picked up that template, but it works. Two key elements for me, a bead and a soft hackle. I figured that was enough, but a partridge and orange with bead isn't very good for me. And I still have not had much luck with a beadhead PT this spring. Just seems to be the correct amount of tailing, body fullness, movement of the hackle, and of course the trout bead, to make it work.
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Tom, I really envy how much you get to fish. Not from an actual “fishing” perspective but when you get to fish this much you really get to problem solve, and not just guess. It’s really great to watch.

Tom Butler · Jun 17, 2023

mcswny said:
Tom, I really envy how much you get to fish. Not from an actual “fishing” perspective but when you get to fish this much you really get to problem solve, and not just guess. It’s really great to watch.

Thank you. I've always loved to fish. I was told in order to stay sober I had to find a suitable substitute. Fishing gives me a great way to keep my mind occupied, body working, and spiritually fulfilled enjoying nature. Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I like to share what I learn. I appreciate that so many put up with it.

Brian Miller · Jun 17, 2023

Tom Butler said:
As kids we dropped rolly pollys in the creek and saw trout eat them. Next day we had our fly rods in hand, with a split shot crimped to a hook at dapping length leaders end, probably 8# maxima. Early match the hatch. I think your on the right track.

The "pellet" thought is interesting, and your rolly pollies; aka pill bug-woodlice-terrestrial crustaceans) split shot on a hook is a super cool observation!

Tom Butler said:
Those look like deadly ties. I don't know where I picked up that template, but it works. Two key elements for me, a bead and a soft hackle. I figured that was enough, but a partridge and orange with bead isn't very good for me. And I still have not had much luck with a beadhead PT this spring. Just seems to be the correct amount of tailing, body fullness, movement of the hackle, and of course the trout bead, to make it work.
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Yes!
Tom, I'm guessing the fibrous, bulkier body traps a small amount of air (that may even release an attention getting bubble or two) and creates a small amount of drag that might slightly slow the sink rate.
I think (Tenkara) "tactical nymphing" (& ESN?) folks like the sparse-lightly dressed, sleek-low profile, UV resin-coated Perdigon style fly because they sink quickly to get deeper in short drifts.
I think that fish like the buggy-looking body & soft hackle because it looks like food, and the bead gets it to them in longer drifts or somewhat slower-shallower water.