Back in the day…that would be the sixties, growing up in the South and attending a Southern University in “the loveliest village on the plains”, the UNIFORM was Bass “Weejuns”, Gold Cup socks, Corbin slacks, Alligator belts, Gant Shirts, London Fog windbreakers with a Camel hair, V-neck sweaters or, on less frigid days, a button up Alpaca Sweaters…In those “Animal House” days, one could travel from one school to another and every guy was dressed pretty much the same…That idyllic time was exploded by events unfolding and occurring half a world away…When my turn came, in 1967, I gave my Father my three favorite Alpaca sweaters to keep for me. I returned to California in 1971 to find that the elbows on each sweater had been worn through by the endless hours my Dad spent in “leather sewers” along the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood – places like the Cock N’ Bull, Scandia and Frascatti’s…my love affair with fabric from these guys – was over:
( PHOTO: from River Mist Farm -Alpacas)
I would encounter these critters from time to time in Independence, CA, while traveling up Hwy. # 395 to Bishop, Ca and beyond…the one’s I saw were used as pack animals for those who ventured into the High Sierra backcountry…I and Ally thought they were cute…
Now Alpaca fiber has appeared for Fly Tying in the form of Paca-Dub and Paca-Tips from FIBER-FLIES
I am interested in finding out how well this material traps air bubbles and will be adding some patterns for Spring that utilize this product. It is currently available at: SOUTH RIVER FLY SHOP
PT/TB
I had one alpaca sweater and, as I remember, it was a pretty coarse fiber. Probably useful on some flies. Since I tie mostly tiny dries maybe the under- fur would be more desireable. I’m always on the lookout for fine dubbing.
Jim,
I am always on the lookout for dubbing that will retain air bubbles for Caddis pupae…it appears to be a coarse dubbing. I am going to try some and see how the Trouties like it…
PT/TB 🙂
PT/TB: There’s never and end to the obsession we fly tiers and fisherman have for our sport. My vehicle still stops for all road kills, as I come from the era when there were very few synthetic dubbing materials available commercially. I’ve even resorted to using a hair brush on my cat in order to sample her underfur. obtw, I enjoyed reading about your clothing preferences when you were in college, I guess I was too unsophisticated back then to know the difference in what was in wear in those days. lol
Morning everyone,
I’m Jim, one of the founders of Fiber Flies. Our company started last year in the spring with a chance meeting of my partner’s wife at a local (Fredericksburg, VA) farmers market one Saturday morning. Like Chris I’m always on the lookout for new material. When Gail and I walked past Lisa’s table a bag of “fur” caught my eye and I had to check it out. So I bought the bag, and took a card for her farm. They do farm tours and thought it would be fun to take my girls to. About a month later we went to the farm for the tour and after, in their gift shop, Lisa and I started talking. She asked if I would be interested in teaching classes at their farm. I promptly said yes, and then through talking about the structure of the course, Fiber Flies was born.
I have been tying flies for about 25 years or so, and have used all types of materials. I can tell you that even before the company started, I stopped using everything else except Alpaca.
I think the reason I love it so much is because of the versatility. Once we have it processed, it becomes very easy to use. I can spin it in either a loop or split thread for a very “buggy” looking nymph/wet fly (I fish a lot of classic wets) body, or tease out a wisp, noodle it up tight and get a very slim dry fly body. Jim, I have even been able to dub down to a size 24 Trico. If you like to fish big meaty streamers, then Paca-Tips is the way to go. Because of the natural kink and translucence of the material it makes a very nice profile without a lot of bulk/weight.
I could go on and on about the virtues of my stuff, but don’t want to be the salesman right now. Just give it a try. I think once you do you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Lastly, my web site is up so you can check us out there as well. Just make sure to hyphenate Fiber and Flies or you will go to a quilting site.
Semper Fidelis
Jim Bensinger
USMC (RET)
Jim,
Thanks for your input. I look forward to doing some ties with Pac-Dub…and I won’t hold it against you… that you are are a MARINE…LOL
PT/TB 🙂 … AIRBORNE !!!