[SnapT14]

Welcome to Tie of the Month

February 2023



Introduction

The format of the 2022 Tie of the Month competition will remain the same as it was in 2021 with no changes. As ever prizes are not guaranteed but with or without them this is a very friendly competition that is open to everyone regardless of your ability and a specific newcomer's section for which a prize is available to reflect that. So please do join in by submitting your flies and engaging in the banter because your tying will improve and so will your general feeling of happiness!



CHANGE TO RULE 5: you may re-photograph an entered fly but the fly may no longer be changed after submission.



To encourage a bit of exploration and challenge, the tying competition will have a different theme each month. Every day is a School day so try something new or unfamiliar, as well as the things you know you are good at. It is worth noting that often it is not the neatest, most skillful or most complex tying that wins but the fly that the voters feel is most likely to catch a fish or is simply the most inventive or witty (see the winning entry from mc andy in the April 2020 competition

). There is also no pressure to enter every month but do note that points are awarded just for entering each month. Just enjoy the challenge and improvement in skill that will result from producing patterns that you may not otherwise have considered tying!



Please also note that the flies you tie are used as a reference by many people and so your posts are creating a great reference section for everyone. I therefore ask and encourage everyone entering to include a list of the materials used with each photo.



Clearly photography plays a part in this competition and many (possibly most) photo's are taken very successfully using a phone camera. A few tips to help though:

• As much as possible try and take the photo in natural daylight
• On many smart phones tapping the screen to select the point of focus can result in the camera focussing on the vice or another large solid object near the fly. If that happens, try taking the photo at a greater distance from the fly without selecting the point of focus and then crop it (also note rule 7 below)
• Be careful of the background for both clutter and background colour can make it harder to see, or with a good choice, highlight the fly.

TOTM February 2023 -

The tyer of this months winning entry will be the lucky recipient of a very generous prize of 3 day permits to fish the upper Moy, offered by ‘WOODSY’ on behalf of the East Mayo Anglers committee. This is a fantastic gesture and gives the winner an opportunity to fish on one of the UK and Irelands premier spring salmon fisheries…….! February’s theme will be scored using the usual system and the prize will be given to the outright winner as an addition to the points awarded towards the annual competition. This slightly different format is because the permits on offer are for the 2023 season meaning that the earlier the prize is won, the more time the winner has to organise his/her trip. So, to tie in with this wonderful offer, I have decided on a theme relating to the famous River Moy, here goes……

Some of you, especially Jockiescott will be pleased to know that my threat to use 'King of bling' for February's theme was merely a hoax.....!...... Sorry Richard, I sincerely hope you haven’t been losing sleep of late ..😂. Following on from January’s 'Gold' theme, I thought it would make a nice change to go cold turkey and tie a fly with minimal 'bling'..... In fact, apart from the oval tinsel rib, this pattern has none at all! A fly with its roots firmly set on the banks of the river Moy in Foxford, county Mayo, western Ireland. It has become immensely popular worldwide, known for its versatility in fishing all water types. Low to high, spring to autumn, this wonderful, traditional Irish Shrimp will produce the goods. It’s certainly one of my favorites. You might have guessed already, but in case you haven’t, this month, I want you to tie a FOXFORD SHRIMP (Fiery Brown Shrimp).

To the best of my knowledge, the dressing goes -

Tail - GP breast feather ( natural )
Rib - Silver oval tinsel
Rear body - black seals fur
Mid hackle - silver badger
Front body - fiery brown seals fur
Wing - JC
Front hackle - ginger cock
Thread - red or black

( I am happy to amend this recipe if it is incorrect, apologies in advance if so)

Specific guidance -

* should not include flash fibres ( except for the rib of course )

* can be tied on any hook ( single, double or treble )….. no tubes this month

* the use of floss for the body sections is permissible

* any shade of brown / ginger is acceptable for the front hackle

* standard or golden badger is acceptable in place of silver badger for the middle hackle

* with the exception of the above variations, please stay true to the original pattern


I’m already looking forward to seeing your entries, Good luck !!

What a fantastic collection of Foxford shrimps.....! 29 entries that are all good in different ways. Its actually far more impressive when you view them in succession....... 👏👏👏👏Thanks to you all for continuing the support for this section. Without the entries, TOTM is pointless 🙏!

ENTRIES -

Idbflytye -

Wormo -

Timmins-

Tony Mac -

Ryan Houston -

Jockiescott -

Robb76 -

Flytie09!

lgaffz -

Stephenb91 -

GaryD -

Gwelsher -

DrPatrick -

Iainmortimer -

Billyfish -

Tcorfey -

SnapT14 -

Logan Houston -

Tailfire -

Prezmek -

Nwsalar -

SidneyS -

Chriswjx -

Westie4566 -

Andrzej -

Bad_bastie -

Woodsy -

Grassy_Knollington -

Salmonless -

 

[Jockiescott]

Ragin! 😟

I put some of my best work into the first prototype for the "King of bling" theme.

Decided I wanted something really big this month too and the biggest hook I could find was my grandfather's old gaff.

Sorry I uploaded two photos but it's sort of irrelevant as my entry no longer fits the theme.

I'll tie a boring old Foxford Shrimp sometime when I get a minute.

Away now to get a dram to sooth my extreme disappointment. 😔

 

[SnapT14]

Ragin! ☹

I put some of my best work into the first prototype for the "King of bling" theme.

Decided I wanted something really big this month too and the biggest hook I could find was my grandfather's old gaff.

View attachment 91301

View attachment 91300

Sorry I uploaded two photos but it's sort of irrelevant as my entry no longer fits the theme.

I'll tie a boring old Foxford Shrimp sometime when I get a minute.

Away now to get a dram to sooth my extreme disappointment. 😔

That gaff looks well used Rich? 😜

 

[ryan houston]

This is a marmite fly I have never been fully satisfied with the front hackle colour on any version I dye all the time to try and get one I like . I have actually caught a salmon on a fox Ford and it was just above the Gub on the east Mayo waters some lovely fly water

 

[chriswjx]

Did Iain split his shares in material suppliers with you Nathan??

Away to put an order shortly as I have precisely 0 of the specified hackles 🤣 Bought 2 cracking silver badger saddles last year, which promptly got dyed hot orange and yellow... Bought some GP...... rump feathers in natural golden or dyed red and black 😂

But, the GP was bought to get me to try n learn how to tie some Irish shrimps and the packets are still unopened 😅 so at least this month will hopefully force me to learn 😂

 

[SnapT14]

Did Iain split his shares in material suppliers with you Nathan??

Away to put an order shortly as I have precisely 0 of the specified hackles 🤣 Bought 2 cracking silver badger saddles last year, which promptly got dyed hot orange and yellow... Bought some GP...... rump feathers in natural golden or dyed red and black 😂

But, the GP was bought to get me to try n learn how to tie some Irish shrimps and the packets are still unopened 😅 so at least this month will hopefully force me to learn 😂

Sorry for the inconvenience caused Chris.....

I have plenty of stuff I could send you in the post if it would help?

 

[chriswjx]

Sorry for the inconvenience caused Chris.....

I have plenty of stuff I could send you in the post if it would help?

Don't worry about it 😅 you've identified a major dificiency in my collection of materials 🤣 Magpies come to mind

 

[gwelsher]

Bought 2 cracking silver badger saddles last year, which promptly got dyed hot orange and yellow...

If you use Silver Badger you will get the Shrimp Police after you. It must be natural Badger which has a creamy colour and black tips

 

[ibm59]

Hope McGall doesn’t see this 😂

 

[gwelsher]

Hope McGall doesn’t see this 😂

He's hiding under the bed

 

[SebasP]

Hello TOTM,
Question - Is the original receipe call for a single JC feather for the wing or two?

 

[iainmortimer]

Hello TOTM,
Question - Is the original receipe call for a single JC feather for the wing or two?

I believe that its two that are tied in to form a 'V'. i.e. they are not roofed

 

[idbflytye]

Welcome to Tie of the Month

February 2023



Introduction

The format of the 2022 Tie of the Month competition will remain the same as it was in 2021 with no changes. As ever prizes are not guaranteed but with or without them this is a very friendly competition that is open to everyone regardless of your ability and a specific newcomer's section for which a prize is available to reflect that. So please do join in by submitting your flies and engaging in the banter because your tying will improve and so will your general feeling of happiness!



CHANGE TO RULE 5: you may re-photograph an entered fly but the fly may no longer be changed after submission.



To encourage a bit of exploration and challenge, the tying competition will have a different theme each month. Every day is a School day so try something new or unfamiliar, as well as the things you know you are good at. It is worth noting that often it is not the neatest, most skillful or most complex tying that wins but the fly that the voters feel is most likely to catch a fish or is simply the most inventive or witty (see the winning entry from mc andy in the April 2020 competition View attachment 91287
). There is also no pressure to enter every month but do note that points are awarded just for entering each month. Just enjoy the challenge and improvement in skill that will result from producing patterns that you may not otherwise have considered tying!



Please also note that the flies you tie are used as a reference by many people and so your posts are creating a great reference section for everyone. I therefore ask and encourage everyone entering to include a list of the materials used with each photo.



Clearly photography plays a part in this competition and many (possibly most) photo's are taken very successfully using a phone camera. A few tips to help though:

• As much as possible try and take the photo in natural daylight
• On many smart phones tapping the screen to select the point of focus can result in the camera focussing on the vice or another large solid object near the fly. If that happens, try taking the photo at a greater distance from the fly without selecting the point of focus and then crop it (also note rule 7 below)
• Be careful of the background for both clutter and background colour can make it harder to see, or with a good choice, highlight the fly.

TOTM February 2023 -

The tyer of this months winning entry will be the lucky recipient of a very generous prize of 3 day permits to fish the upper Moy, offered by ‘WOODSY’ on behalf of the East Mayo Anglers committee. This is a fantastic gesture and gives the winner an opportunity to fish on one of the UK and Irelands premier spring salmon fisheries…….! February’s theme will be scored using the usual system and the prize will be given to the outright winner as an addition to the points awarded towards the annual competition. This slightly different format is because the permits on offer are for the 2023 season meaning that the earlier the prize is won, the more time the winner has to organise his/her trip. So, to tie in with this wonderful offer, I have decided on a theme relating to the famous River Moy, here goes……

Some of you, especially Jockiescott will be pleased to know that my threat to use 'King of bling' for February's theme was merely a hoax.....!...... Sorry Richard, I sincerely hope you haven’t been losing sleep of late ..😂. Following on from January’s 'Gold' theme, I thought it would make a nice change to go cold turkey and tie a fly with minimal 'bling'..... In fact, apart from the oval tinsel rib, this pattern has none at all! A fly with its roots firmly set on the banks of the river Moy in Foxford, county Mayo, western Ireland. It has become immensely popular worldwide, known for its versatility in fishing all water types. Low to high, spring to autumn, this wonderful, traditional Irish Shrimp will produce the goods. It’s certainly one of my favorites. You might have guessed already, but in case you haven’t, this month, I want you to tie a FOXFORD SHRIMP (Fiery Brown Shrimp).

View attachment 91298
To the best of my knowledge, the dressing goes -

Tail - GP breast feather ( natural )
Rib - Silver oval tinsel
Rear body - black seals fur
Mid hackle - silver badger
Front body - fiery brown seals fur
Wing - JC
Front hackle - ginger cock
Thread - red or black

( I am happy to amend this recipe if it is incorrect, apologies in advance if so)

Specific guidance -

* should not include flash fibres ( except for the rib of course )

* can be tied on any hook ( single, double or treble )….. no tubes this month

* the use of floss for the body sections is permissible

* any shade of brown / ginger is acceptable for the front hackle

* standard or golden badger is acceptable in place of silver badger for the middle hackle

* with the exception of the above variations, please stay true to the original pattern


I’m already looking forward to seeing your entries, Good luck !!

Hi All.
I suppose someone will have to go first. 🤣🤣
Here is my attempt on #10 patriot double.
Cheers
Idbflytye

Welcome to Tie of the Month

February 2023



Introduction

The format of the 2022 Tie of the Month competition will remain the same as it was in 2021 with no changes. As ever prizes are not guaranteed but with or without them this is a very friendly competition that is open to everyone regardless of your ability and a specific newcomer's section for which a prize is available to reflect that. So please do join in by submitting your flies and engaging in the banter because your tying will improve and so will your general feeling of happiness!



CHANGE TO RULE 5: you may re-photograph an entered fly but the fly may no longer be changed after submission.



To encourage a bit of exploration and challenge, the tying competition will have a different theme each month. Every day is a School day so try something new or unfamiliar, as well as the things you know you are good at. It is worth noting that often it is not the neatest, most skillful or most complex tying that wins but the fly that the voters feel is most likely to catch a fish or is simply the most inventive or witty (see the winning entry from mc andy in the April 2020 competition View attachment 91287
). There is also no pressure to enter every month but do note that points are awarded just for entering each month. Just enjoy the challenge and improvement in skill that will result from producing patterns that you may not otherwise have considered tying!



Please also note that the flies you tie are used as a reference by many people and so your posts are creating a great reference section for everyone. I therefore ask and encourage everyone entering to include a list of the materials used with each photo.



Clearly photography plays a part in this competition and many (possibly most) photo's are taken very successfully using a phone camera. A few tips to help though:

• As much as possible try and take the photo in natural daylight
• On many smart phones tapping the screen to select the point of focus can result in the camera focussing on the vice or another large solid object near the fly. If that happens, try taking the photo at a greater distance from the fly without selecting the point of focus and then crop it (also note rule 7 below)
• Be careful of the background for both clutter and background colour can make it harder to see, or with a good choice, highlight the fly.

TOTM February 2023 -

The tyer of this months winning entry will be the lucky recipient of a very generous prize of 3 day permits to fish the upper Moy, offered by ‘WOODSY’ on behalf of the East Mayo Anglers committee. This is a fantastic gesture and gives the winner an opportunity to fish on one of the UK and Irelands premier spring salmon fisheries…….! February’s theme will be scored using the usual system and the prize will be given to the outright winner as an addition to the points awarded towards the annual competition. This slightly different format is because the permits on offer are for the 2023 season meaning that the earlier the prize is won, the more time the winner has to organise his/her trip. So, to tie in with this wonderful offer, I have decided on a theme relating to the famous River Moy, here goes……

Some of you, especially Jockiescott will be pleased to know that my threat to use 'King of bling' for February's theme was merely a hoax.....!...... Sorry Richard, I sincerely hope you haven’t been losing sleep of late ..😂. Following on from January’s 'Gold' theme, I thought it would make a nice change to go cold turkey and tie a fly with minimal 'bling'..... In fact, apart from the oval tinsel rib, this pattern has none at all! A fly with its roots firmly set on the banks of the river Moy in Foxford, county Mayo, western Ireland. It has become immensely popular worldwide, known for its versatility in fishing all water types. Low to high, spring to autumn, this wonderful, traditional Irish Shrimp will produce the goods. It’s certainly one of my favorites. You might have guessed already, but in case you haven’t, this month, I want you to tie a FOXFORD SHRIMP (Fiery Brown Shrimp).

View attachment 91298
To the best of my knowledge, the dressing goes -

Tail - GP breast feather ( natural )
Rib - Silver oval tinsel
Rear body - black seals fur
Mid hackle - silver badger
Front body - fiery brown seals fur
Wing - JC
Front hackle - ginger cock
Thread - red or black

( I am happy to amend this recipe if it is incorrect, apologies in advance if so)

Specific guidance -

* should not include flash fibres ( except for the rib of course )

* can be tied on any hook ( single, double or treble )….. no tubes this month

* the use of floss for the body sections is permissible

* any shade of brown / ginger is acceptable for the front hackle

* standard or golden badger is acceptable in place of silver badger for the middle hackle

* with the exception of the above variations, please stay true to the original pattern

I’m already looking forward to seeing your entries, Good luck !!

Hi All,
I guess someone has to go first. 🤣🤣
So here is my attempt on a size 10 patriot double
Cheers
Idbflytye

 

[SnapT14]

Hi All.
I suppose someone will have to go first. 🤣🤣
Here is my attempt on #10 patriot double.
Cheers
Idbflytye
View attachment 91343

Hi All,
I guess someone has to go first. 🤣🤣
So here is my attempt on a size 10 patriot double
Cheers
Idbflytye

That's a damn good effort, lovely tying 👍

 

[iainmortimer]

Hi All.
I suppose someone will have to go first. 🤣🤣
Here is my attempt on #10 patriot double.
Cheers
Idbflytye
View attachment 91343

Hi All,
I guess someone has to go first. 🤣🤣
So here is my attempt on a size 10 patriot double
Cheers
Idbflytye

Well that sets a high bar! A great opener

 

[Jockiescott]

Hi All.
I suppose someone will have to go first. 🤣🤣
Here is my attempt on #10 patriot double.
Cheers
Idbflytye
View attachment 91343

Hi All,
I guess someone has to go first. 🤣🤣
So here is my attempt on a size 10 patriot double
Cheers
Idbflytye

I'd have that on the line in a heartbeat. Cracker! 👍

 

[wormo]

I don't do many Irish shrimps but have promised myself to try and get a fish this year on one so this is good practice, I used dark fiery brown from cookshill, it's not really showing up , I might re do but this is my effort on a #10 ED treb

 

[Hardyreels]

This may be a bit premature but

 

[SnapT14]

I don't do many Irish shrimps but have promised myself to try and get a fish this year on one so this is good practice, I used dark fiery brown from cookshill, it's not really showing up , I might re do but this is my effort on a #10 ED treb View attachment 91355

Something about that just looks right....
Beauty

 

[Grassy_Knollington]

Something about that just looks right....
Beauty

Looks great on a treble.