SHOP NOTES | C.J. BOVA RODS

above photo: Biot wing caddis dyed ginger with knotted legs Trout like many aquatic predators zero in on specific silhouettes in the surface film. Even small aquatic insects such as Caddis and Mayflies have very recognizable leg profiles. In an age where many are focused on legs on terrestrial insects, the aquatic bugs are a wee bit on the back burner when it comes to delineating legs and integrating them into specific patterns.  above photo: double knotted pheasant tail legs With with simply two sets of knotted pheasant tail legs you can create more floatation, stability, and surface profile giving an impression of the natural. Legs do make a difference I have found over the years especially for selective trout in shallow clear waters.                         ~Clint Bova

The biot is a highly versatile material that has become one of the most important components of my fly tying repertoire. In the midst of all of today's technologies and mind numbing levels of information the simple biot keeps me focused on whats most important. Tie lots of flies, and focus on the most simple and basic materials. Make it a daily ritual, and practice it like a discipline. The biot is the epitome what's right in the world today. As in any material, fly tying or other, if you put your mind into a resourceful state of being, doing, and making anything is possible with...VERY LITTLE. Over the years my fly boxes are paired down and much simpler. I carry less and less flies every season, and I use less materials to create what I need. Biot Wing Caddis Hook: TMC 531 14-26 Body: SLF Spikey Squirrel Rib: Clear Mylar Wing Case: Dyed Biots, (left and right wing feathers) Legs: Double knotted Pheasant tail Thread: Veevus 14/0 or 16/0 Hackle: Dusky gray, or...