Floating Flies

[midger]

I've had a couple folks ask about floating dry flies. You can use Frog's Fanny, Loon Dust, Top Ride, and many other commercially available floatants, but all these can be pretty pricey and you'll go through the tiny bottles pretty fast.

Many may already use the epoxy thickening product known as fumed silica. Basically it is the same thing as Frog's Fanny and it works really great. You can order it here (be sure to get only the fumed silica product-the 4th product down-the others won't work) You have to order a minimum of 3 quarts of the product:

http://www.epoxyusa.com/category_s/4.htm

How much is 3 quarts, you ask? Well, it's packed in a box that will be 6" square and it will be enough to fill your empty frog's fanny container probably 100+ times. I've been on the same order for over 5 years and still have 1/2 a box left.

Find a partner or two and split the order. You'll be ready for the epic LO hatches in February and March.

[beachbum]

That looks like a great deal. Thanks!

[midger]

Bill,
You'd probably go through that much pretty fast. Doesn't it take a lot to float those weighted saltwater flies you use for leopards?

[Eric]

That looks like a great deal. Thanks!

Bill want to split a order. Thanks for the link mike
eric

[beachbum]

Bill,
You'd probably go through that much pretty fast. Doesn't it take a lot to float those weighted saltwater flies you use for leopards?

Ha!! Come on down, and bring a big rod, Mike. It's leopard time. Dry flies are about all I haven't tried, but thinking about it, a gurgler pattern might be worth trying.

[Justin]

I got a quart from Ray, and I have almost all of it left, I believe it will last almost a lifetime!!
It does work great, after you figure out how to get it in the frog's fanny bottle, I think a turkey baster would work great!

Justin

[rkfiske]

I got a quart from Ray, and I have almost all of it left, I believe it will last almost a lifetime!!
It does work great, after you figure out how to get it in the frog's fanny bottle, I think a turkey baster would work great!

Justin

I make a funnel out of a piece of paper and scoop out a spoonful then tap it down into the bottle. Works okay, I'm not sure if there's much of an easier way or not.

[Justin]

I got a quart from Ray, and I have almost all of it left, I believe it will last almost a lifetime!!
It does work great, after you figure out how to get it in the frog's fanny bottle, I think a turkey baster would work great!

Justin

I make a funnel out of a piece of paper and scoop out a spoonful then tap it down into the bottle. Works okay, I'm not sure if there's much of an easier way or not.

Good idea Ryan, I also have a kids syringe for medicines that might work ok

[midger]

I just use a small metal kitchen funnel and a teaspoon. No problems. It can/will stick to the plastic funnels and requires some tapping to get a good flow, but they'll work also.

I save my medicine bottles and fill them so I'm always carrying 3-4 spares when I'm out on trips. I just leave the extras in the car. Same with tippet. I carry an extra 1-2 spools of 3-6X in the same kit bag so I don't have to search stores which would cut into my fishing time

[briansII]

I just use a small metal kitchen funnel and a teaspoon. No problems. It can/will stick to the plastic funnels and requires some tapping to get a good flow, but they'll work also.

I save my medicine bottles and fill them so I'm always carrying 3-4 spares when I'm out on trips. I just leave the extras in the car. Same with tippet. I carry an extra 1-2 spools of 3-6X in the same kit bag so I don't have to search stores which would cut into my fishing time

Just wouldn't want a CHP officer to see those bottles. "But officer, it's generic frog's fanny".

Long time ago, I mistakenly ordered some non hydrophobic, fumed silica. It actually works....until it gets soaked.

briansII

[rayfound]

I'll just add that you can buy this at CVS and its a generic paste floatant. Slightly thicker than gink (or, higher melting point if you will), but otherwise indistinguishable. I use on my flies and my leaders.

Generally, I'm using a dual float system lately... paste to waterproof the fly, just maybe once every 45-60 mins, and dusting in between to keep it riding high.



http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=albolene&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=5176259392493857149&ei=jIv0TJSVD4KgsQOIoJW4Cw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDwQ8wIwAg#

[midger]

Just wouldn't want a CHP officer to see those bottles. "But officer, it's generic frog's fanny".

Long time ago, I mistakenly ordered some non hydrophobic, fumed silica. It actually works....until it gets soaked.

briansII

I'd be more than happy to let them taste or snort the product in the pill bottles if they want to assure themselves that it is what I say it is. I hope they like really dry sinuses.

I didn't even know that they sold non hydrophobic fumed silica. You definitely want the hydophobic product.

[planettrout]

If 'ya ever find yourself in West Yellowstone, pick some of this up at Blue Ribbon Flies, it is the best floatant I have ever found:



PT/TB