Over time I've accumulated a stash of flies that aren't fish worthy anymore but I'd still like the hooks.
The hard part is figuring out an easy way to remove the material. I tried using a razor to cut the material off. This worked but it is very time-consuming and tedious. The next bright idea was to set the fly on fire. I figured the material would burn off and I'd be left with just a hook. I learned flies are very flammable and the fumes really stink up your house.
Does anyone know of an easy method to strip the material off your flies? I'm thinking about starting a fly subscription service. Instead of sending you 10 flies every month you send me 10 of yours and I'll take the material off. I think I'll call it Stripfly box. Although there would be a lot of explaining to do when significant others see a charge for strip fly on their bills.
I do the same thing and have had similar results with the fire method. Would like to hear how others do it also. Just for fun I'd go with "fly stripper" on the charge!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Drew.
DeleteNo clue. If you figure something out, let us know. I've got a ton of hooks that could use salvaging. I'll steer clear of the strippers though...don't know where they've been...
ReplyDeleteSomeone has to have some clever way of dealing with this problem. Maybe they're working on a marketing tool and don't want to spill the beans.
DeleteThere is an article in American Angler, Jan-Feb issue that is called Deconstructing Flies by Ken Sowers. The article talks about this, just for a different reason. You might see if you can find the article. I can't find my magazine.
ReplyDeleteI'll hunt for that online Howard.
DeleteIf you don't find it Kevin, let me know and I'll find the magazine and scan it for you.
DeleteHoward I searched around for that article on google. I couldn't find it. I'd love to read it if you want to share.
DeleteI'd have thought fire would be the best solution too...
ReplyDeleteThat seems like it would be the easiest. I have a small burn firepit like thing in the backyard. It has a screen the would be perfect for keeping the hooks out of the ashes. I just need to make sure I'm not anywhere near the smoke when I light the thing. I'm sure the fumes are toxic.
DeleteYou should see the containers I have chalk full of flies that have either been fished to the their demise or I was simply unhappy with at the vise, because, of a bad experiment or too much to drink. Ha
ReplyDeleteI have heard that fire weakens the strength of the hook, so, I have always done a razor. I usually cut off as much material as I could with some cheap scissors, and do my best to save any long feathers that I have in some of my musky/pike patterns. Then I start carefully slicing the thread length wise.
I'll have to write a post of my own and showcase all of the hooks I plan on saving haha. The flies just keep piling up.
I hear ya Justin. I have more than what's in that picture. I've tried the scissors thing and razor. I just need to commit some time to really cleaning the hooks. I'd like to do it while watching TV or something but I'm afraid I'd drop a hook in the couch or on the floor.
Delete