magpie

Unfortunately some kits come with a basic Bobbin and sometimes the Bobbin will have a bur or a rough edge that causes the thread to frey as well, I second the earlier thoughts about the 6/0 or 8/0 and perhaps a new Bobbin or maybe upgrade to a ceramic Bobbin/ceramic with a ruby tip. I also second the lessons idea, books, magazines, this board has some awesome information, the expo this weekend and the web. I have learnt so much by watching others tie, especially Mr. Leroy Hyatt from Fly Tying the Angler's Art. Good on yah for tying your own flies:)

Great material, and a good article in Fly Fishing and Tying journal (just hit the stands)about liquid lace for anyone who missed Ed at the show. Or like me doesn't have a good enough memory to remember some of the details.

I agree 100% Silica Gel is great. I just got a Golden Pheasant skin in perfect shape well over 20 years old, packed with silica gel in the bag. A great side use for the silica gel; although it has probably been mentioned, grind it with mortar and pestal or coffee grinder and it is great for "shake". Once you catch a fish on a dry fly, release the fish, shake the fly in silica gel and it takes out all the moisture, floats great for the next fish.

Depending on the base I use laquer thinner. The only place I have found laquer and thinner is a place called "Belaire". 1 Litre at a time and I mix it about 50 50 in a baby food jar, glass with a metal lid. I have to agree with the Zap-a-Gap great adhesive and much faster to set then laquer.

I have to say I am a big fan of the Mustad as well, very disappointed that they don't make some of my favorites any more. Having said that I must say I have been trying the Daiichi and I am very impressed. I also stumbled upon some Eagle River actually in a bargain bin and so far so good. Tiemco have also been good for me. I also have to say and this is with no offence to the amazing fly fishing stores we have in Calgary, every once in a while Wal-mart has Mustad in stock and at a great price.

When you say to the river does that include the trres and shrubs on the shore? If so and I include the good old snap from the wind a dozen for sure, back when I first started fly fishing that was about all the flies I carried so I would have to go home:(