Mod Divers....

[Darian]

After reading the article on Charlie Bisharat's flies, thought I might be able to use that info and some that Charlie passed on to me in a conversation about using closed cell foam to create modified divers similar to his Bubbleicious pattern. Following are photos of a couple of prototypes:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/Bass%20Fly%20Protoypes%201/MyPicture-3.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/Bass%20Fly%20Protoypes%201/MyPicture-2.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/Bass%20Fly%20Protoypes%201/MyPicture-1.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/Bass%20Fly%20Protoypes%201/MyPicture.jpg

One pattern shows front and side views of a foam disk/head. The disk is perforated with holes to create a bubble trail when stripped. The second pattern is, also, front/side views of a foam disk/head with sections cut out to create a different flow when the fly is stripped. Both disk designs were suggested to me by Charlie B., to try out. Surprisingly, the flies aren't really heavy and the material won't hold water when picked up for casting. 8)

I'm gonna have a great time testing all of the patterns I've been playing with this spring out in the Delta. Can't wait.... :unibrow:

[Darian]

OK,.... Here's photo of another use of a foam disk in a deer hair diver. This one was inspired by Charlies version of a rat pattern:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/MyPicture-2.jpg

Not much use in a front view as the deer hair collar obscures the view. Of the three flies, this one is the one I like the best.... 8)

[davkrat]

Very cool! How do you form the heads? Is that something you buy or do you glue several layers of thicker different colored foam together and then carve to shape? I assume the foam disk is is pierced on to the hook and then slip up over the shank. Definitely looks nice and wind resistant with that disk sticking out.

[Darian]

I've tried thin (1.5mm) closed cell foam and thicker (3.0mm) foam. The thicker foam is better suited for larger flies like the divers. Thinner foam is more esthetic but more functional on smaller patterns. :-|

In order to create the disk, you'll need a circle template (for drafting :?: ). Then select the size circle you want to use and draw it on the foam sheet. Find the center of the circle and mark it. Fold the foam in half and cut a small notch. This will be glued onto the hook shank with Shoe Goo. (Believe me, Shoe Goo will hold the disk in place.) Glue the disk in at the appropriate point in the tying process (your choice). I prefer to glue it in over a thread base rather than a bare hook. :)

If you choose to place holes in the foam, you can use a leather punch. If notches, cut them as you did the first notch. :-|

As these disks are closed cell foam, they don't absorb water. So, they do not require drying as deer hair does. Saves on the cost of drying material. :smirk:

[David Lee]

I think they look great !!

I spent a huge amount of time studying and tying the Dahlberg (FF mag , very early 80's) . I can see where a foam diving collar would allow the fly to float higher/not get waterlogged , but I've never had an issue with mine NOT making a large bubble-trail .

The Dahlberg Diver is a bitch to tye properly , but does things no other bug can do . It's my favorite bug by a long shot .

D.~

[Darian]

Yep!!! Mine too. :nod: There's something very esthetic about the all deer hair, Dahlberg Diver.... There really isn't any issue with creating bubble trails in Dahlbergs pattern. Just playing around with new stuff. Got another version in the vice right now. Stay tuned.... :D

[Darian]

Davkrat,.... Sorry, I forgot to answer your question about forming the heads. The answer to that one is that I buy the salt water popper head pre-formed from Rainy's and cut them to the appropriate size. Then they're glued to the disk using Shoe Goo.

The heads don't come in a great number of colors. So, painting them is necessary. I found that only certain types of ink from felt tip pens will dry on the foam and the color selection is limited. I used paint pens (the type used in painting model aircraft). :nod:

[PaulC]

Dig the flies Darian:)

[Darian]

Happy you like them Paul.... Probably not useful in the suds but, you never know.... With some color and materials change (think bright orange and some big eyes) maybe a Mako fly is in the future of the pattern.... :-k

[Darian]

Here's another modification that involves cutting a larger diameter disk to form a lip (of sorts) and positioning it further forward than the prior versions. Also, in order to use a mono weed guard, poke a pin hole in the disk pass the mono thru to allow tying it down at the eye. Check 'em out:

Side view -

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/MyPicture-4.jpg

Angled View -

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/MyPicture-3.jpg

Not sure I like this version but it was worth doing to find out what it looks like. Guess I'll test it to see if the lip contributes to a deeper dive or not.... :confused:

[Darian]

Just playing again. This modification involves using a Waddington Shank in creating the head of the diver to accommodate an articulated configuration. Check it out:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o31/jockscot/MyPicture-7.jpg

Originally tied this version with a weed guard on the hook but decided it was a mistake. This is definitely not a fly you would throw into heavy cover....

I'm not particularly fond of this version but it does illustrate another use for Waddington Shanks (instead of cutting off the bend of an expensive hook). :-|