The Squidro

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to have 4 days to swing flies on the Olympic Peninsula. During those four days, I only hooked one fish. I fought the fish for a few minutes when it started to head for a log jam down river. I applied as much pressure as I thought possible without breaking my 12 lb. Maxima. Just as  I told my buddy, "Hey, how about grabbing that net," my line went slack.  I retrieved my black and blue Squidro only to find a straightened Gamakatsu Octopus hook.  

My Squidro uses a Scott Howell Steelie Shank and dyed "Steelie Coon," both from http://scotthowellflyfishing.com/.

The Tandem Tube

I've been tying flies for steelhead quite a lot over the last year. Mike Sturza of Lost Creek Fly Shop showed me the Tandem Tube, but it was designed by Brian Silvey in Oregon.

If I had one fly to fish for steelhead, the Tandem Tube would be it. The hatchery fish below took a fleshy-pink and orange Tandem Tube like the one in the middle above.