Templedogs

[Deleted]

Here are my thoughts on Templedogs as at December 2009

I would be interested in learning if there are any differences in views depending on location of rivers in Scotland. Is there a North South or East West divide?

In early Spring/low water temperatures I believe that the line should be taking the fly down to the fish

So it is a plastic bodied fly for choice and I want the fly to rise a bit above the bottom so I would keep my leader very short - 3-5 ft or so to achieve this.

Basically the Salmon fishing equivalent of fishing the Booby Nymph on a fast or very fast sinking line.

When the water warms up a bit to nearer 45-50 degrees, then it becomes more problematic for me as I have tended to favour pretty traditonal tubes or Trebles/Doubles with longer leaders and not used Coneheads as much

However, I will soon be trying to tie up a stock of Coneheads using a range of bodies - Bottle Tubes, Copper, Plastic and Aluminium.

The lighter the body is, the more I feel a Conehead may be required. Is this correct?

Some articles and fishers suggest the conehead should sit under the wing and not at the front of the tube. Any views?

There seems to be a lots of different practices and ideas on the whole Templedog style to consider. I think one has to make one's one mind up on this and go with what you know works on the river you are fishing

I am inclined to believe that a wee Tungsten Tube is a also great idea (as per Helmie's offerings) Why have Pot Bellied Pigs become so successful?

I also believe Coneheads work more effectively and better, the lighter the body material that is used but would welcome opinions from more experienced Conehead junkies out there.

At the end of the day, I suppose we are all just trying to get our fly to swim nice and consistently in front of a salmon and looking like something the fish should use its mouth to get a hold of to examine/consume which equals success

Last point - what's the feeling on Hooks? Should Doubles be up or down?

I've seen pics of Klops using some pretty loosely fastened Singles at the business end.

What is your most favoured Single Hook for a Templedog these days?

I have been trying Kamasan B980's as a Single for tubes over past year or two but usually go with a Partridge Double or Treble facing downwards

I have heard good reports about Owner and Stinger Hooks as well as Circle Hooks - any thoughts on good brands?

tweedbunnet

[Deleted]

Aw shucks

I thought someone would wise me up on this?

tb

[builnacraig]

Dec 10, 2009 6:16:31 GMT @tweedbunnet said:

Here are my thoughts on Templedogs as at December 2009

I would be interested in learning if there are any differences in views depending on location of rivers in Scotland. Is there a North South or East West divide?
Little spring fishing on the west/south so yes.

In early Spring/low water temperatures I believe that the line should be taking the fly down to the fish.

I think that weight in the fly is essential. Particularly in the small/medium rivers which I usually fish. Relying on the line alone will not take the fly deep enough as there is simply not enough time. Using the line to take the fly down is fine in a big wide stream where the line has time to sink.


So it is a plastic bodied fly for choice and I want the fly to rise a bit above the bottom so I would keep my leader very short - 3-5 ft or so to achieve this.

Basically the Salmon fishing equivalent of fishing the Booby Nymph on a fast or very fast sinking line.

When the water warms up a bit to nearer 45-50 degrees, then it becomes more problematic for me as I have tended to favour pretty traditonal tubes or Trebles/Doubles with longer leaders and not used Coneheads as much

However, I will soon be trying to tie up a stock of Coneheads using a range of bodies - Bottle Tubes, Copper, Plastic and Aluminium.

The lighter the body is, the more I feel a Conehead may be required. Is this correct? I agree, plastic tubes are too light for the small rivers I fish.

Some articles and fishers suggest the conehead should sit under the wing and not at the front of the tube. Any views? Personally I like the look of the conehead, should be a good trigger point for the fish so I want it up front where it can be seen.

There seems to be a lots of different practices and ideas on the whole Templedog style to consider. I think one has to make one's one mind up on this and go with what you know works on the river you are fishing. TD's are popular in Ayrshire, usually red/orange/thunder & lightening colours for the summer and autumn

I am inclined to believe that a wee Tungsten Tube is a also great idea (as per Helmie's offerings) Why have Pot Bellied Pigs become so successful? Fantastic addition, started using them last year, got lots of tubes to tie up for next season

I also believe Coneheads work more effectively and better, the lighter the body material that is used but would welcome opinions from more experienced Conehead junkies out there.

At the end of the day, I suppose we are all just trying to get our fly to swim nice and consistently in front of a salmon and looking like something the fish should use its mouth to get a hold of to examine/consume which equals success

Last point - what's the feeling on Hooks? Should Doubles be up or down? I like up myself, the scandi plastic tubes are good for holding the hook in a stable position

I've seen pics of Klops using some pretty loosely fastened Singles at the business end.

What is your most favoured Single Hook for a Templedog these days?

I have been trying Kamasan B980's as a Single for tubes over past year or two but usually go with a Partridge Double or Treble facing downwards

I have heard good reports about Owner and Stinger Hooks as well as Circle Hooks - any thoughts on good brands?

tweedbunnet

You would think I was an expert after that reply, I'm no more than a chancer.

BnC

[Deleted]

Hi, BnC

I am starting to tie some Templedogs over next few days for a Flyswap I was committed to doing on another forum before I was made to feel somewhat unwelcome.

You views are much appreciated as I really am a novice at Templedogs

tweedbunnet

[weefrankie]

Here is a link look at the juri shumakov stuff loads of styles patterns and some nice reading
sent you a pm



www.rackelhanen.se/eng/10018.htm

[sloggi]

Not sure if I can offer any tips but here goes:

Use a tube rather than a bottle if you're not confident, as using all these materials and issues of balance need space. A tube gives you more space

Tie in a good sturdy tag - fluoro-fibre is good for this

Tie in a body hackle

Use three wings. The first should be no longer than where the end of the hook will be

Use your thumb to flatten the wings so each wing covers half the tube - you see many t/dogs with a great lump of hair stacked on the top of the fly. Very poor

Don't go overboard with "flash" materials - they can clog the wings. Angel hair is good as is Larva Lace. Crystal flash should be saved for bucktail

It's personal choice but I avoid peacock herl. Others love it.

Use at least one hen hackle at the front. Most tie a couple of hackles between wings and I use two soft hen hackles - others use one cock and one hen

Remember you're looking for a long tapered fly with a full body. You don't want a lump of hair that weighs 1/2 ton so go easy on the materials!

[Deleted]

Mamy thanks for all the informative replies.

Have laid out the gear and ready to start tying as from tomorrow so should have something to show by Sunday

tweedbunnet