Sawyers Killer Bug, Redneck Edition

Recently when searching online for simple fly patterns I came across a pattern for Sawyer's Killer Bug. It was a proven fish catching pattern and simple to tie. The most difficult part of tying this fly was finding the correct yarn. The yarn originally used to tie the Killer Bug was discontinued many years ago and even the smallest cards of it go for absurd amounts of money, that is, if you are lucky enough to find it.

I tied up my own redneck version of this fly using jute twine, some copper wire, a hook I had and coloring it with a pink Sharpie. I had to separate the three strands of jute twine and just used a single strand so that it wasn't too think, as the original yarn used to tie this fly is fairly thin. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet because of the weather and time constraints but I think it will serve the purpose. Below is a video I found on YouTube on tying the Sawyer's Killer Bug. As always, feel free to post your comments below.

Fresh off the delivery truck

My wading boots just arrived. Now time to get them tried on and find some water for some fishing.

Waders are here

Just a quick note. Received my waders in the mail today from Cabelas. First impressions are good. Very lightweight and fit well. Thanks to Cabelas customer service for helping me get the right size. They aren't too loose and aren't too snug. They would be perfect if I drop the 5-20 pounds I really need to. Inseam is a little short but I think that may be from not having them adjusted quite right. Just waiting on my Orvis wading boots now. Also, kudos to Cabelas for the target printed inside the wader box. My 4-year-old lives it and has been shooting at it with his toy bow.

Waders and wading boots

Just ordered my first pair of waders and wading boots. Used some gift cards and found a couple sales. Looking forward to the Orvis River Guard Streamline rubber soled boots and the Cabelas Bluestream stocking foot waders I have coming. I'll be sure to post some pics and a review when they come in and I have a chance to try them out. In the mean time I'm going to be searching for local streams to wade come spring.

Quick, easy perfection loop

The perfection loop is a knot I kept seeming to have trouble with. Here is a really short video I found that really helped me out. Most of the other directions I had found for tying it were confusing. I can tie it without a problem now. Is there a knot you struggle with? Post in the comments below.

New flies, first impressions

I recently picked up Orvis' 20 Top Flies selection and wanted to give my quick first impression of them. First off they look to be high quality flies and well tied. Not that I expected anything less from Orvis. The 20 flies offer a good variety that should catch trout, bass, bluegill and crappie. These are definitely proven patterns. I like how Orvis has included the fly name and size on the inclined card and the species and times of year and conditions at to when to fish them. It is very helpful for beginners just learning their flies. Wooley bugger, included, is a pattern that imitates lots of aquatic insects that fish love. Time will tell how well they will hold up, but I'm fat more likely to lose them while fishing than wear them out. I'll be sure to let everyone know how they do once I get a chance to fish them.

If you've fished these flies or have your own Top 20 picks be sure to comment below.

Working in the cold

Although it isn't as cold today here where I live as it was a few weeks ago, it's the winter months that make me wish I had a job working indoors. As good as working indoors sounds to me in the winter, I just can't stand being in a cubicle or any other job that would keep me confined within four walls. I've had problems keeping myself warm this winter for some reason.

Here are a couple of quick tips for keeping warm when you work outdoors.

Limit skin exposure.

Wear a hat or some type if head covering.

Hot drinks (I've recently started drinking coffee) and warm foods help keep your core temperature up so you don't get as cold. So consider those instead of a cold sandwich or cold drink such as a soda.

Hot hands are great. Especially if your job is such that you can't we're gloves.

Everyone stay warm out there and if you have any tips for working outdoors in the cold please leave a comment.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Boneyfiddle