Just like many other fly fishermen, quite sometime ago, in the summer of
1998 to be exact, I decided to stray off the
beaten path of fly tying and try some of my own creations based on my own experiences.
This is a natural progression for just about all fly tiers. Sooner
or later we are all compelled to stop following the guidelines and see
what we can conjure up on our own.
I remembered all of the positives in patterns which I've fished, then
tried to marry some of those qualities together in single patterns.
Characteristics such as realism, color, action, and behavior under water
were carefully considered. Trial and error was the name of the game.
I tried experimenting with different colors and materials for all patterns
until I was satisfied that the fly looked like it should. The final
test was not at the bench but on the water. Each N2 pattern had to
be a repeat performer under many circumstances, for all types of species.
The result is my N2 collection. A selection of 10 effective patterns for
2003 which I find to be both a pleasure to tie and fish. The
patterns in the N2 collection vary from new and unique, to new twists on
old favorites.
Above all, I think that the N2 collection demonstrates the never ending
customization traits of fly tying.
Many of these patterns are available today in our
Online Fly Box.
Each N2 pattern carries the N2 label, easily distinguishing it from the
rest.
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Browse the N2 Collection (Click on fly for
complete pattern) |
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N2 Bug Skin Stone, Black
A true to life stone fly imitation, the N2 Bug Skin stone features the
use of Larva Lace and Bug Skin material to achieve new depth in fly
tying. |
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N2 Furry Foam Crayfish
Great summer time smallmouth bass pattern! The claws can be
covered with epoxy or hair spray for prolonged life. This
pattern is also known for landing a few larger trout in cold water
streams. |
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N2 Hare Crayfish
The action available through the use of rabbit strips is hard to
beat. The N2 Hare Crayfish exhibits just that. Fish using
a steady stop-and-go retrieve. |
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N2 Hard Shell Shrimp
Shrimp patterns are generally used in salt water, and for Atlantic
salmon. The N2 hard shell shrimp features the correct action and
flash under water to convince any species. |
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N2 Hare Sculpin, Brown
Ram's wool and rabbit strips are used to create unrivaled life-like
action under water. |
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N2 Sculpin, Olive
A personal favorite, the N2 sculpin is a pleasure to tie. Don't
be fooled, it is deadly on the stream! |
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N2 Foam Hopper, Yellow
Simple yet effective, the little yellow hopper patterns are hard to
beat. This pattern features the use boar's hair instead of
hackle for the legs providing extra life and durability. Raffia
is used instead of turkey for the wing creating one tough little
hopper! |
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N2 Extended Damsel Nymph
The name says it all. One of two damsel nymph patters in the N2
collection, this fly has an extended section made from Kevlar line and
Killer Caddis beads. The beads not only add flash and realism,
but also move around freely on the soft Kevlar line.
Great still water trout pattern! |
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N2 Swimming Damsel Nymph
Tied on an inverted swimming nymph hook, this fly does wonders in
still water situations. The Killer Caddis glass beads add to the
level of realism in which the marabou tail and legs flow naturally during
a slow retrieve. |
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N2 Lazer Spey
Although I personally don't use Spey style flies much, I find it
hard to resist tying them. The N2 Lazer Spey is yet another
marriage of old school patterns and new age material, in this case
Lazer wrap. |
I hope that you will try the N2 patterns and have as much success
with them as I have. Also be sure to check out next years collection, after all, who
knows what new learning experiences this season will bring us all.
Cheers,
Nick Pujic
Written By: Nick Pujic,
© Feb, 2003
Photographs By: Nick Pujic |
