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    • August 28, 2022 at 3:12 pm #25234
      Dave Rodecap
      Participant

      It seems like my fly box has reproduced like rabbits and I now carry a couple with a bunch of flies that I probably don’t need or use.  But I really enjoy tying new patterns and learning new techniques, so I really doubt that is going end any time soon.

      However, I’d like to simplify what I take into the the water with me.  Let’s say if a person was going to go back to a basic fly box stocked with the 12 flies that Tom Rosenbauer recommends that work anywhere, or even the FATC starter kit, how would you set up that box?  Would you stick with one size, or would you take multiple sizes of each, and how many?  My thought is at least 3, one to donate to the trees, one for a friend and one to actually fish with.  I think you can see how my fly boxes have gotten out of hand!

      Curious as to how you guys are setting up your boxes…..

      Dave Rodecap

      • This topic was modified 2 years ago by Jim Craig.
    • August 28, 2022 at 8:21 pm #25236
      Jim Craig
      Keymaster

      Hey Dave,
      I find myself asking the same question as I am tying.  I usually tie/take four or five of the same size of the same fly.  Similar reasons as you.  If it turns out to be a hot fly then 1 or 2 to share (even though guys are usually shy about taking any you offer), a third one to lose on a snag (tree or rock—actually that would be a bit optimistic for me if I fish with it most of the day) a fourth one to break off on a fish and the fifth one to get me to the end of the day.  But, many times I will tie two or three sizes of the same nymph, soft hackle, or emerger to cover different water types I will encounter.  That’s when things get out of hand and I really start jamming flies in my box.  It is a curse.

      I am very interested to hear what others do.

      Jim Craig

    • August 29, 2022 at 10:41 am #25238
      Kenny Klimes
      Keymaster

      This question is always up there with the question of “what is our purpose in life”. Ok, not really but close. I am not a minimalist. Especially when it comes to fly boxes and flies. I normally carry five to six fly boxes with me on every trip (and sometimes more that I leave in the car but can get to if needed).

      BUT truly do you need to “carry” that many flies? Yes, there are probably no more than 12 flies that you need to carry (different sizes is important) which will suffice for any trip. Those flies you will have to decide on. The reason I say that is you must also have confidence in your flies. For example, I do not have ANY confidence in the famous Missouri Crackleback fly. I carry them but hardly ever take them out of my box. But  you will never find me without the Barr’s emerger fly.

      Find your top confidence flies, different sizes is good. Maybe a few different colors and go with 4-6 flies each. If you run out on the water then you’ll know you should have brought more 😉

      I think it is also important how you arrange your flies in your fly boxes. Same insects together whether larva/nymphs, emergers and then adults? or all larva/nymphs together in one box and adult dry flies in another, etc..  Don’t agonize over it – just fish.

    • August 29, 2022 at 10:45 am #25239
      Sensei
      Participant

      Oh my grasshoppers,

      Flies I see you are worried about. Remember presentation trumps all. And how you say in the West, practice makes perfect. Fish you must and enjoy.

      Forget not to throw a grasshopper once in awhile – ha, ha a funny I made!

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