Feather mechanic 2

So after writing his first book, our South African friend Gordon van der Spuy decided to write a new book. This time it's more of a collaboration with several world class fly tiers.

Each tier is asked to write about his favourite fly. I was asked to write why the Humpy has been my fly that both haunted as well as been loved.

Update Oct 23,  2023:

I received the book from my friend Gordon!

He added the printed cards as a bonus.

Thanks Gordon

Inspired by an artwork

Recently artist Kate Hall finished a color pencil artwork called the 'Riverside Relics'.

I think it's stunning! Inspired by this artwork this fly came about.

The rich brown tones (bamboo rod, fly box, table, patina of the fly reel case, foldable knife) are represented by the deep brown tones of the tailing fibers as well as the hackle collar. The grey tones (especially the vintage Perfect reel but also the knot tool) comes back with the grey mallard wings.

The body is made of mix of black and purple seal's fur for a more rough structure of the (assumed) aged fisherman. The green tones (Filson vest, rod bag) are accentuated with the ribbing using the vintage bright green tinsel.

Tied on a vintage Mustad 94840 hook

Length of the wings on a Humpy

Length of the wings on the Humpy?
I like them about this length above the hackle collar.

Too long makes the fly 'top heavy' and makes them land 'head down' more often than not.

Too short and you can't see the wings

March Brown in October

Tied Art Flick style