Am restocking on bass fly tying supplies and tie many of the typical bass minnow imitators, was wondering if anyone had any unique pattern reccomendations, perhaps the jointed ones look interesting.

smallies or largemouths?

 

Good books on Amazon, pricey, but lots of good ideas for both.  Search Amazon for "bass fishing flies" in the books category. 

20 minutes ago, MickD said:

smallies or largemouths?

 

Good books on Amazon, pricey, but lots of good ideas for both.  Search Amazon for "bass fishing flies" in the books category. 

Largemouth,  will look into that thanks!

I'll look at some of the titles I have, and post them.  The books are 20 to 30 years old and feature older patterns.   Materials and flies have changed drastically in those years.   I fish mainly small, shallow, weedy ponds/lakes rather than larger lakes.  I tend to stay away from jointed patterns, but the Game-Changer is probably the most popular of the current ones.  There's a thread on this forum called "Fly Tying, getting back into it."  I think you'll find it on page 2.  Hasn't been active since August, but posts should be picking up as those of us who mostly fly fish for bass get back into our winter tying frenzy and start posting flies we've hatched from our imagination.  Check out some of the fly fishing web sites also, most have a Warm Water forum.  

16 minutes ago, Fallser said:

Hasn't been active since August, but posts should be picking up as those of us who mostly fly fish for bass get back into our winter tying frenzy and start posting flies we've hatched from our imagination.  Check out some of the fly fishing web sites also, most have a Warm Water forum.  

Awesome thanks!

My best patterns last year were

Widderdilch

Swimmy Jimmy

Swim Coach

Sex Dungeon

Wooly Sculpin

 

I am partial to the Gamechanger platform as it allows many different styles and sizes.  Great book

 right here for that pattern.  So many different types and styles and the action is fantastic.  I caught my biggest smallmouth on the fly rod on a pink finesse changer this summer.

https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changer-Tying-Flies-Thing/dp/1934753475/ref=asc_df_1934753475/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459515754640&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17400790759855667968&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027215&hvtargid=pla-951487185815&psc=1

 

I also like like belly bumper style patterns that ride hook up as they come through vegetation better.  

 

As @Fallser said, action on the fly tying thread will pick up here soon as I know I will be refilling my boxes for next season.

For smallies I have used a bunny bugger, rabbit dub and hair off a zonker strip for the tail. For largies for a very small sample size a zudler worked well for mr

 

 

3 hours ago, flyfisher said:

As @Fallser said, action on the fly tying thread will pick up here soon as I know I will be refilling my boxes for next season.

Awesome, will look into those books thanks. Ordered game changer fly materials!

13 hours ago, PressuredFishing said:

Awesome, will look into those books thanks. Ordered game changer fly materials!

For your first ones keep it simple and go with finesse changers and if yiou get the largest they make you can tie uop to probably 3-4" and even longer if you use a different head material.  The key to remember is the head pushes the water with creates the turbulence which then activates the joints.  I carry scissors with me in my kayak for on the watrer adjustments, especially on new flies as you can see immediate impacts.

On 12/30/2022 at 8:39 PM, flyfisher said:

I am partial to the Gamechanger platform as it allows many different styles and sizes.  Great book

 right here for that pattern.  So many different types and styles and the action is fantastic.  I caught my biggest smallmouth on the fly rod on a pink finesse changer this summer.

https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changer-Tying-Flies-Thing/dp/1934753475/ref=asc_df_1934753475/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459515754640&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17400790759855667968&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027215&hvtargid=pla-951487185815&psc=1

 

I also like like belly bumper style patterns that ride hook up as they come through vegetation better.  

 

As @Fallser said, action on the fly tying thread will pick up here soon as I know I will be refilling my boxes for next season.

The gamechanger craw is supposed to be phenomenal as well

1 hour ago, PaulVE64 said:

The gamechanger craw is supposed to be phenomenal as well

it is a great fly but it takes a lot to tie it.  I am a sucker for a nice crawfish fly though.  

 

16 hours ago, flyfisher said:

it is a great fly but it takes a lot to tie it.  I am a sucker for a nice crawfish fly though.  

 

Arent all the game changers an investment in time?

I've only started playing around with sequential shank lengths so I'm not sure, but I know every shanks adds time to my ties and the game changer gas alot more shanks than I normally try.

They must be worth it. 

My thoughts on the gamechanger....

Is it worth the time and cost?

Am I more efficient with spinning and Kietech fat impact?

Is it just too much fun to miss?

Just noticed this thread.

Suggest going to Bob Mariottes Fly Fishing store in Fullerton,

Very helpful knowledgeable personnel and they have everything needed.

This where I got my hair supplies for tying jigs, can’t beat looking at stuff in person.

Tom 

I used to tie a few different things for bass, but a couple of small streamers and large Montana stone flies is all I take along anymore.

4 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

Arent all the game changers an investment in time?

I've only started playing around with sequential shank lengths so I'm not sure, but I know every shanks adds time to my ties and the game changer gas alot more shanks than I normally try.

They must be worth it. 

Majority of mine are finesse changers and they are pretty quick ties.  Two materials one for the tail and one for everything else and a bunch of shanks and you are good to go.  I can probably tie one in 15 minutes or so.