Feeling Artistic?

See 90 fly fishing art paintings, from 9 different angling artists, all in 90 seconds. From ArtCreel.com, including work by Al Barnes, Peter Corbin, Derek DeYoung, Scott Hale, Jeff Kennedy, John Koch, AD Maddox, Joseph Tomelleri and Bob White.

All of the images are available as limited edition prints at ArtCreel.com.

"GO TO" BONEFISH FLIES - BONEFISH CRAB

The Bonefish Crab is a relatively simple pattern to tie and works for both Bonefish and Permit. When you find Bonefish actively foraging for crabs around coral this is a "go to" bug.

Oh, and I might have mentioned, Permit eat it too.

Hook: Tiemco 811s #6 or equivalent

Thread: Ultra Thread 140 Tan

Eyes: Lead Dumbell Medium

Claws: Grizzly Marabou-Tan or Olive

Body: Tuffleye cut to shape abd colored

Legs: Loco Legs - Grass Shrimp Olive

Step 1: Apply Tuffleye Finish material to a sheet of plastic. Let spread until consistent at about 1/16" thick.



Step 2: Use activation light on Tuffleye. After using light on top flip plastic over and use light on back side of sheet as well.

Step 3: Using Crab Body Cutters, or freehand using scissors, cut body shapes out of Tuffleye. Epoxy will not work as it will crack.

Photo above shows apprximate thickness.

Step 3: Start tyng fly. Tie in lead eyes right behind eye of hook using Zap Gel so they do not move on shank when fishing. Make sure eyes are right against eye of hook.

Step 4: Wrap back to rear of shank and tie in 2 Grizzly Marabou pieces. X wrap so they split into 45 degree angles as shown. Coat with Hard as Hull cement and pull on each piece of marabou to thin out.

Photo shows apppearance of marabou making claws.

Step 5: Tie in 3 pairs of rubber legs at mid point on shank.

Step 6: Apply Zap Gel to shank and place one piece of cut body on top of shank as shown. At this time, position legs so they are spread out and angled towards eye of hook (as shown). Once positioned to satisfaction, apply Zap Gel to shank side of Tuffleye, coating entire surface. Do not use too much, just a light coat.

Step 7: Apply second piece of Tuffleye on other side of shank and compress with fingers.

Step 8: Tie overhand knots in legs at desire length and cut to length.

Step 9: Color to taste and coat both sides with Hard as Hull Cement.

FINISHED FLY!

Family Fishing

We thought we'd share with you this photo collage sent in by Jon of Calgary of his first fishing trip with his five year old son. Apparently, the young fisherman has caught the bug so be on the lookout for this little guy!

Country Pleasures Saturday Seminars

Saturday, February 6 10 AM
FAVOURITE PATTERNS WITH DARREN BANASCH

Darren, owner of Hook and Hackle, will tie a selection of his favorite patterns for Southern Alberta.
All attendees will be entered in a draw to win a $25 gift certificate for fly tying supplies.

Staff Product Picks

Here's Marks favourite 2009 product pick and his upcoming 2010 product pick!
Also check out Brent and Caitlin's favourites

"Last spring Maui Jim introduced a new line of “Readers” sunglasses. These glasses have all the best features of MJ sunglasses along with the convenience of a bifocal area. In the last few years I have been having problems tying on small flies and even losing a few trout because of sloppy knots. Now that I have a pair of Readers all it takes is a simple glance at the bottom of the lens to tie on the smallest of flies or to make sure that the barb is pinch down properly. Currently I have 4 pairs of polarized sunglasses in my kit bag but the only pair getting used are the MJ Readers.

New from Orvis for 2010 is the Hydros fly rod. The Hydros uses the same blank technology as the Helios rod but with less expensive fittings and rod tube in order to produce a light weight rod thats also light on the pocket. I might just have to replace my old worn out 7wt streamer rod with an Orvis Hydros. "

Country Pleasures Saturday Seminars

Saturday, January 30 - 10 AM

WEST COAST SALMON FLIES
Mark will tie some of his favorite flies for the Skeena system. This seminar
is worth it just to see mark tie the Medusa.
All attendees will be entered in a draw for the flies from the seminar.

Left side top down: Blue Moon, Chad Black's 2 Minute Skeena Fly, Popsicle.
Center: Chartreuse Polar Chenille Bruiser, Polar Bear Clouser, Arctic Fox Comet.
Right side: Egg Sucking Leech, Chartreuse Medusa, Kingfisher Medusa.

If you would like the recipe's for these patterns please email info@countrypleasures.com

FIGHTING TARPON ON THE BEACH

Avalons video taken in Los Jardines de la Reina. Big Tarpon hooked by a client from B.C. Guides Coki and Jonger are both watching this one and Coki finally tackles the fish.
All of you who have been there might recognize "La Playa", just down the flat from Mangle Alto, greta place for big fish. The first Tarpon I ever hooked in the Jardines was on this flat.