Making Eyes at You

There are many flies that don’t resemble life. They’re flat, lack sparkle, and usually don’t catch fish. Some of these flies require wild, erratic action to even get a weed to grab on. Among these flies, streamers are the worst. They imitate baitfish, but some are just a hunk of marabou, while others are tinsel. Unless you add something to them to resemble life, they look like the stuff in that little clippings bag. Speaking of which, how many people collect clippings and never use the debris from a tying session? Try not to clip off too much before you start, as extra can be stored on the spools or in those neat little compartments on your tying desk.

The essence of a living being is its eyes, and there are countless types of eyes available. You can find stick-on eyes, bead eyes, dumbbell eyes, and even jungle cock eyes (if you can find them). However, I discovered a unique method for creating eyes using monofilament, a lighter, and UV epoxy.

Step 1: Cut a length of monofilament. For larger eyes, use a larger diameter line. Heat the end of the lighter until it starts to melt, then gently push it down onto a non-flammable surface, such as a piece of cardboard, not your dining room table.

Step 2: Slowly build up the melted end with epoxy and use the UV light to create a larger body for the eye. To ensure the eye is uniform in shape, slowly spin it. Once you’re satisfied with the size and shape, leave a long tag so you can easily tie the eyes onto your fly. If additional color is needed, use a marking pen to add some drama. An alternate method is to epoxy a color bead and build an epoxy head. I used a red glass bead in the photo below.

Eyes in progress

How to Fix All Your Problems (not really)

 No Mojo

I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with losing your motivation. It can be a challenging situation, especially when your drive and enthusiasm have vanished. It’s like the old saying goes, “A lie will travel around the world before the truth puts its waders on.” Speaking of waders, I haven’t seen mine in over a year. My kayaks are hanging around in the garage, waiting for some company or at least some TLC. I’ve become quite photophobic. After undergoing three surgeries for skin cancer, I tend to spend less time in the sunlight. Am I turning into a vampire? 

So, let’s talk about sun protection. I wear a wide-brimmed hat and zinc-on-the-face SPF and UV-rated sun shirts. I have the scars to prove it—I’ve spent a lifetime outdoors. Even in winter, too much sun can become a problem sooner or later. My dermatologist is a great person and is very strict about taking care of my skin. Fran Betters said that the best time to fish is in the early morning or evening, which is also the safest time to reduce UV exposure. Did you know that one type of UV radiation can penetrate an airplane or your home? Is there any place that is truly safe? What does “safe” even mean in this context? 

I don’t have a specific answer to rekindling the flame, as everyone is different. Perhaps a road trip to explore new places could be a refreshing change. Taking a sabbatical from fishing might be a difficult decision, but absence truly makes the heart fonder. Feel the wind in your face, the chill of the air, and maybe even the warmth of the sun after a stormy day. Rediscover old skills and hobbies that you’ve always enjoyed but never had the time to pursue. Conversations with my neighbors revealed a common thread among us: a strong sense of community. This sense of belonging can ignite the inner man.