Articulated Fly Material

[BSF]

Any one out there tying big articulated flies? If so, do you stick close to the recipes for Circus Peanuts, Peanut Envy, and S. Dungeons. What materials have you found work best for the patterns mentioned, or patterns you tie, and why do you like that material?
Example:
Body: Crystal Chenille, Cactus Chenille, Estaz, or other?
Hackle: Schlappen, Bugger Hackle, or other?
Hook: Type, and Size?

Thanks
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[flygoddess]

I tie them. Sometimes I tie to the recipe other times I add my own touch.
ex: On some instead of the weighted dumbbell eyes I use plastic dumbbells and rely on my sinking line to put it in the zone.


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[BSF]

Thanks FG,
Where would you recommend I go to get the plastic dumbbell eyes. I like the eyes on the flies, but was thinking of eliminating the extra weight when fishing in shallow water. Plastic dumbbell eyes would be perfect.
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[flygoddess]

I buy a lot from this place

http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item...-Eyes.html

But I bet Sportsmans or Cabelas has them
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[Browntrout]

I probably spend 70%/90% of my time fishing streamers. I tie alot of different patterns. Olive cactus chenille, black Estaz Opalescent can be very effect. I like the Circus Peanut and Dungeon patterns. I fished the Weber a few weeks ago throwing an Olive Dungeon-caught 21 1/2" brown. Do not overlook basic colors---Some basic colors can be deadly. I tie alot of articulated patterns. I like schlappen---usually palmer two feathers together. I use Whiting Farms Bugger Pak for hackle. TMC 5263 is a favorite of mine as well as the Gamakatsu B10S stinger. On more delicate river systems I will not use B10S---that is just me. I am now experimenting with bucktail---like the movement. Color is more important than pattern (personal opinion). Hope this helps.
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[BSF]

Thanks for the info. Browntrout. Last night, before I saw your reply I picked up TMC 5263 hooks, black schlappen, and black UV Eataz. I'm planning on tying some up this weekend.
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[Deadeye008]

Main components of my articulated flies are marabou, bunny strips, uv polar dubbing, and fox tail. I love using the fish skulls and sculpin helmits. Check out Richard Strolis on Vimeo. He has quite a few video tutorials on streamers. I really like his Ice Pick, Headbanger Sculpin and Hog Snare patterns.
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[BSF]

Thanks Deadeye, I will check it out.
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[flygoddess]

Fish skulls and Skulpin Helmets are awesome because they are weighted on one end so you can make the fly float hook up, but they are definitely a duck and chuck.
I use them on stillwater. Mix them with soaked bunny and you will want a stiffer rod.
I have modified Jason Haslem's Minnow pattern too. Easy tie there.
Weighted flies definitely have their place, and Deadeye has a great portfolio.
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[Browntrout]

"'Check out Richard Strolis on Vimeo"

Ice Pick is excellent - I use marabou. The Oive/White and Black/White with Fish Skulls proved very effective this past spring.
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[flygoddess]

I had great luck with the Sculpin head.



Specially at Rockport.
Perch patterns were awesome this year on the bass



I have made many with a Stinger hook in which I thread the hook and mono through a Zonker strip. Works great



They are getting fancier these days thought aren't they

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[Browntrout]

Very nice ties. Thanks for sharing those patterns.
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