I must say, overall, if I can "tweak" someone's mind enough to "close the book", and THINK toward creativity, to consider the new ways to do things, I have done my job to further the art and craft of fly tying. Dave Schmezer is retired and has been tying flies for well over a decade. He and wife Sarah (the six kids are out of the nest) live in western Pennsylvania. When not trying to keep up with children spread all around the US or tending to chores on the "Ranch on the Ridge" or logging wood for winter heat, Dave is a full-time tier and fly designer.
He teaches fly tying at home and at several fly shops and is regularly found in the "Tyers Aisle" at most of the Eastern Fly Fishing shows. Dave Schmezer is known for his unique flies and different outlook on tying techniques and teaching. The "Bead Belly "concept, it's basic design, versatility and adaptability to various game fish species or baitfish imitations, the materials and tying tips are all outlined in detail in this fly. The well crafted fly will make it more durable and are in part responsible for the way the fly performs in the water.
Bead Belly flies need short shank hook with straight eye, beads that are counter-drilled as opposed to those that are counter-sunk, gel-spun thread, gel (extra thick) type cyanoacrylate glue. Deer Hair Extended Body Hopper, Some have called the Hoppers "Bullet-Proof". Here's a pattern that will give you an understanding of the unique techniques used to tie them and be excited enough to try. Scudly Doright seems to be a recurring theme, but it is different, it is new and unique! This is an adaptable pattern that looks good and is simpler to tie than it appears and simpler than many standard Scud patterns. Utilizing new materials and different tying techniques, enjoy and even expand on. This pattern has been used with very good success on many streams across the country.