FLY TYING
Gear Changer
W
Jerry Coviello
hen Blane Chocklett’s book, Game Changer: Tying Flies that Look and Swim Like the Real Thing, was released last year, I knew I had to get my hands on it. In this revolutionary book, Blane discusses his search for the ultimate streamer to entice pressured and wary fish around the world. Chocklett’s “Game Changers” include more than 20 patterns, tied on a series of interconnecting spines, which create an irresistible movement when drawn through the water. I devoured the tips and techniques outlined in the book and immediately purchased the materials, shanks, and dubbing brushes required to whip up a few of the patterns. As I began tying, however, I realized that the store-bought dubbing brushes produced only about two flies per brush. Further, I discovered the color combinations that I imagined would help mimic the code cracking that Chocklett had embarked upon, were not readily available. In my mission to make these changes to my own streamer game, I found that there are many materials which would be useful in making my own dubbing brushes. These include Craft Fur, Polar Fiber, EP Fibers, natural fur and more. By making my own brushes, I could create a variety of colors and dimensions with
sparkle materials such as ice dubbing or Krystal Flash. Further, because these materials come in different sizes (half inch, three-quarter inch, one inch and up to three inches), I discovered I could create an effective taper to the body of the streamer. I dug out a dubbing brush table I had purchased many years ago to make dubbing brushes for thoraxes on nymphs and decided to experiment with a variety of materials and colors. Below is a tutorial, including a few tips and techniques based on my experience, to create and tie with these homemade brushes. For additional patterns and video tutorials, visit flyfishersinternational.org
Jerry Coviello Fly Fishers International Fly Tying Group Chairperson. Jerry has recently received the Fly Fishers International Buz Buszek Memorial Fly Tying Award, he serves on the FFI Education Committee, and as newsletter editor for Delaware Valley Fly Fishers, an FFI Affiliate Club in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Fly tying demonstrator at the FFI Fly Fishing Fair, International Fly Tying Symposium, and the Edison Fly Fishing Show. Fly tying instructor at Project Healing Waters in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Member of Pro Teams for Dyna-King Vise, Ewing Feathers, and Solarez UV Resin. 46
FlyFisher Winter 2022
