Flash

[Justin]

Was wondering what everyones thoughts/experiences are with incorporating flash into their bream patterns.

The bream patterns I read about which are developed in WA/NSW seem to have a fair amount (some bloody heaps) of flash....with patterns such as Bushy's Bream Fly (#2007 polarflash wing) and the Meldrum Clouser (all flash!!) seeming to be big hits in interstate waters.

Being a Victorian swoffer and most of my breaming done on the Hopkins - most of the 'gun' patterns are designed by Muz Wilson, who is arguably one of the countries greatest tiers. But Muz's "local" patterns have very little flash, and are more subtle or translucent patterns.

Was curious on what others thoughts were - as most of my patters now have very little flash in them!

Justin

[brad mcdonald]

great question justin i'm keen to hear other responses but what i have found is this...

i find more confidence fishing a fly (bait fish petterns) with flash in dirty water. its probably all in my head but i figure it gives the fly more chance of being seen....

not sure if it can be over done though...

brad

[GoFly]

Hi Fellow Swoffers,

Great question and this is my response.

I personally, think FLASH is essential in tying flies excluding trout flies.

I have found that flash on a fly gives the desirable baitfish appearance. To tie a fly without flash doesnt give me the confidence (and confidence is a huge thing).

If you have swum around a reef and there is baitfish around, what is the first things you see, it is either Flash and Big Eyes. So that is where I use nice flashy materials (with in reason) and large eyes. I also believe the flash represents scales falling off the fish, especially when you let the fly sit and do nothing which at times, works!

But that is my little opinion on this and I am sure there will be plenty to come.

Cheers

[Piscineidiot]

Personally, I've had very, VERY little experience with bream and flies or fly-fishing in general. However, I still tie my flies with a bit of flash, I don't believe it hurts, as most animals when ALIVE exhibit some kind of metallic sheen, particularly baitfish. For all that, if a metallic hardbody can do the job, why can't a flashy fly?

Owen

[Justin]

Don't get me wrong - I still use flash - just very sparingly.

Muz Wilsons patterns for example have some flash, just very little. The hammerhead for instance (one of the greatest bream fly patterns around) has a transparent body and a fairly subtle rib, which might be tinsel or maxibraid. The BMS is probably another good example - transparent body and tinsel ribbing of say 4 or so turns.

All my flies have some flash - just not very much. But like all tying addicts - the other half of the bream box is full of patterns that can only be looked at with sunnies on!!!! They just dont get used much - and unlike others I only have confidence in a pattern with only a little flash.

I was just curious as to what peoples experiences were as the BMS (little flash/transparent) seems to get good raps in NSW/WA waters - where as the flashier patterns from these areas (Meldrum Clouser etc) don't seem to get a big following in Victoria?

Justin