Christine's Makeover - The Time Has Come!

Photo by: C. Hackathorn

It has been 8 years (almost to the day) since I built my boat "Christine."  It was, by far, the best thing I've ever done. The thing is a workhorse and a memory-making machine.  So many old friends, new friends, family, visitors, new fishers, old timers, and of course Wizzie (the late love of my life) have graced my boat and filled it with love and an unworldly sentiment.

They've also helped to beat the shit out of the old girl!  Today starts a one week (hopefully) total overhaul.

Stay tuned for updates and some cool before and after pics as well as some tips for refinishing a wooden boat.

The Flashback Purple Haze Soft Hackle

The Flashback Purple Haze Soft Hackle is a great fly pattern and is effective in all sizes but works best in sizes 22-16.

FB Purple Haze SH

HOOK: Size 22-6 (best in 22-16) - scud or nymph
THREAD: Purple 6/0
RIBBING: Black small diameter wire
FLASHBACK: Medium pearl tinsel
BODY: Thread in small sizes, purple dubbing for larger sizes
THORAX: Hand blend dubbing mix in natural or bright colors with some rabbit fur for texture
SOFT HACKLE: Partridge hackle tips for small sizes, palmered partridge for larger sizes

This fly (in the appropriate sizes) works great for midge, baetis, and caddis hatches. I love to fish soft hackles. When you are doing it right, it is as much fun and requires as much, if not more, skill than dry fly fishing.

Making something look alive with respect to its natural movements can be more challenging than making something look dead or still.