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Shipman's buzzer

2K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  philm 
#1 ·
I love simple flies that are effective and a Shipman's exemplifies this. My go to fly for fish rising to buzzers (and caenis) on a flat calm still water.

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Hook: Tiemco 100, size 16
Thread: red
Tail and wing(?): para post
Rib: pearl mylar
Body and thorax: seal's fur​
 
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#5 ·
It's funny you say that Ian, the Shipman's is a fly which I don't carry in any other size or colour. The only variation I do use has snowshoe fur for extra buoyancy in rougher conditions.

I did have some success with one tied with natural (cream) seal fur in caenis hatches but I found it was no better than the ginger so it got cut from the box.

Phil
 
#11 ·
For me the Shipman's comes into it's own when the surface is calm and the film is 'sticky'. My perception is that there are more casualties of the hatch and shucks likely to be in the horizontal position imitated by the Shipman's. This theory is based on a little observation, a lot of guesswork and no science, therefore it could be complete bollox!

Phil
 
#12 ·
As daft as it may seem, I've had success with a claret Shipmans when fish have been feeding on spinners, both running & stillwaters. For what reason, I certainly have no idea, as the tail/breathers are nowhere near the orientation of a spent fly. Beautifully tied as usual Phil. (y)
 
#14 ·
Lovely craftwork philm.
I too adore a Shipmans. Perfect balance for me in a 16 when around stillwater midge takers is for it to just float; if no takes quick pull to make it sink slow; if still no takes, strip back as fast as possible - I kid you not!
Weather and Boris forecast - they could be on the end of a leader very soon.
 
#17 ·
What colour would that be? Casters range in colour from a light yellow through to a dark red (almost black). The pattern which incorporates the key ingredients of pearl mylar and synthetic yarn was devised by Dave Shipman in the 1980's as far as I know.

Do you typically add floatant to the tail and wing?

Cheers,

Bryan
Yes Bryan and I normally wipe a little along the back as well.

Phil
 
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