The fly-tying season kicked off again last night at the Chequers Inn in Lamberhurst, and was well-attended as usual. Almost everyone took advantage of the excellent fish and chips (amazingly still only £15 including a pint), then it was time for a curry. Ok, not more food, (nobody could have eaten anything else anyway), but Keith's famous Curry Nymph which he invented earlier this year, and has used with devastating consequences all season.
Keith demonstrated the tying, (which he reckons is relatively simple !) and several people managed a good version of their own. As someone who's still trying to master the whip finish, I was content to watch, and marvel, as did a few others. It's still very interesting and educational to attend these sessions, and a good social occasion.
He then went on to demonstrate the Quill nymph, which he'd usually partnered with the curry nymph on a dropper throughout the season. I've also been using a (silver) quill nymph all season, and whilst I'm not in Keith's league, it has been extremely successful for me (relatively). This tying was certainly more complicated, even if he did make it look easy, but well worth the effort, as it is a very good basis for all sorts of colour and material permutations, and clearly very effective in our river this year.
And here they are!
The Curry nymph is on the left, with a sparkly pink collar, and the Quill has a Coq de Leon tail and a CDC collar which gives it plenty of movement. Apparently they need to be removed from the cork before use, and I believe it's essential to somehow procure a suitable cork in order to display them when you've tied them.
If you want to try and tie these yourself, I'm sure Keith will be happy to explain the techniques and full materials list, but if you're that way inclined, make sure you come along to the next fly-tying evening in November; it's almost as much fun as fishing.
Cheers
PeterB
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