…but I don’t think the weather got the memo. As they say if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb – lets hope so. Even with some of the waters opening there has been little to tempt me out – it seems to have been colder than ever and we have had more rain during February since the records began, in my location three times the average.
However the days are drawing out and when we get some sun you can feel the warmth. So even if you are not out there fishing this is a good time to get yourself ready and make sure your gear is in order.
One of the most most important things to check are your lines – particularly your chosen connection for the tippet. This can be very controversial, braided loop or nail knot? Do you use the manufacturers loop or cut it off in preference for your own devise? But whatever you use you need to check they are in good order still and will not fail on you as soon as you get a good fish on.
Well if you have already been out and braved the elements I hope you had a good day, if you are like me waiting for some better weather – lets hope we don’t have to wait much longer.
Tying Buzzers
The humble buzzer has to be the most successful pattern we use. The Chironomid larva it imitates are in the water almost all the time either in the depths emerging from the mud at the bottom or moving in the water column. So to choose the right buzzer for the day you need to know your water or be observant and see what is in the water. Do you need a heavy buzzer to get down? Or a lighter tying to stay in the water column? Or even a buoyant pattern to hang in the surface film.
Size and colour are important, you need to imitate the buzzers that are active in the water you are fishing. Hot spots and features can also be important – the wing cases on either side of the thorax can be engorged with blood or have trapped air in them so red or UV material can be important. The breathers are often a white feature that can act as a target – so some Antron fibres might be important or even just a spot of white varnish.
We all have our favourites and all patterns will have their day. |
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Buzzer Hooks
The hook is the heart of the fly and because of the takes that you get, when fishing buzzers, you need a strong wire.
Straight or curved hooks? When you see a buzzer in the water it will be propelling itself by bending and straightening its body – so the choice is yours.
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But I was always told not to mix straight and bent hooks on your cast.
The Grip barbless patterns 12413BL and 14122BL are shown opposite. |
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| This is a lovely little pattern tied by Lee Hooper, one of our Pro Tyers.
A simple thread body with a rib made using Sybai wide medium coloured flat wire. The thorax is dubbed with an orange collar made using Sybai Super UV to make a hot spot. |
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| This is a much heavier pattern by Simon Easthope, another of the team. Again a simple thread body with wide flat wire rib – but varnished using Scottie Buzzer Coat for extra weight. The thorax is also thread with a silver cheek and a loop of copper flat wire for breathers. |
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