Andy Dear | Monday, 30 January 2023
In the vise today is another one of JBT's Tarpon teasers, The Green and Yellow Grizzly Fly.
The Green and Yellow Grizzly is one of the more simple patterns in John's archives. Comprised of a three layer wing, a few toppings, a sparse collar and John's wrapped krystal flash head, the Green and Yellow Grizzly is the perfect tie for a beginner. And, not just because it's easy to tie, but also because it is easy to cast! Over the years, I have paired down the fly selection I carry with me, mostly based upon how well a particular pattern casts under the normal windy conditions here in Texas.
Many have been the times when Captain Freddy Lynch has chastized me for bringing ties on the boat that were too big, too bulky, too complex and TOO HARD TO CAST. In fact the last time I brought one of these bulky, hard to cast flies on the skiff, he just looked at me and said in his dry, West Texas accent "looks great...if you've got a 22 weight rod to cast it with".
Anyhow, The Green and Yellow Grizzly is a wonderfully simple and fun fly to tie, and has applications that reach far beyond the Silver King.
Hope you all are having a great week,
Andy
