Mardi Gras Flys

[Barry]

Here's 3 I tied last night.
I didn't have the colors I needed, so I dyed some material with Kool-Aid. I couldn't find the right flavor to do Gold, but the purple is done with Grape.

[fishin']

Looks great Barry. I would guess you used a natural or neutral color hackle to begin with. How long does the fly have to soak in the kool-aid and what is the drying time before you can tie the feather? How permanent is the color also? Definitely cheaper than getting hackles in 10 different colors.

fishin'

[Barry]

Fred
Yep, I use white, light tan or gray material to start with. The material stays in the solution until all the color is absorbed. The drying time depends on temperature, humidity, & material.
I’ve got some 3-4 year old Kool-Aid dyed material that’s been used a lot in both fresh & salt water that still looks good.
The hardest part of using the Kool-Aid for dyeing is finding the correct flavors.

[popasan]

Barry,

thats a great tip, thanks.......great looking flies......



Larry

[Barry]

Here's the basic information on using Kool-Aid as a dye.

[fishin']

Fantastic tip Barry. Thanks.

Now, what flavor is it that will make chartruese or a flourescent yellow? Been trying to fins Antron in a chartruese or flourescent yellow and have just not been able to find it at Michaels, Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, etc. I know it is supposed to be Aunt Lydia's yarn but haven't found the color so now maybe I will dye it. Was thinking of trying some Rit dyes but the kool-aid sounds easier and potentially less messy.
fishin'

[Barry]

Fred
Below is a link to the Kool-Aid color chart. Be aware that depending on the material you use, you might get a color shift. You just have to keep experimenting till you get the color you want.
Also, I haven't had much luck dyeing some of the synthetic materials like Aunt Lydia's Rug Yarn.

KOOL-AID COLOR CHART

[Barry]

Edie disappeared into the tying room for about an hour. When she came out, this is the fly she created. She says she tied it to wear on her hat. So I guess we'll have to call it a "hat fly". I've got to watch her a little more closely when we have an open bottle of Wine sitting around.

[ellisredfish]

I used to use Rit to dye mirrolures before there were so many colors available and to dye the inserts in guides to match the color of the winding thread. I have been thinking of dying some hackle and wanted to ask you about that also. I especially like the purple and green fly. It reminds me of a small mullet with a black eye.

[fredtoo]

wonder if Easter egg dye would work the same way? (I need to start thinking about an egg fly)

[Boar]

Barry I think Edie matched the hatch perfectly that is the most awsome mardi gra fly ive seen so far Way to go Edie!!!!


Boar

[M-D]

Edie definitely wins for the "most creative" Mardi Gras fly. The rest of you guys are pathetic. So am I. Sigh.

M-D

[GoinCoastal]

I second M-D's sentiments!!!! EDIE wins hands down!!!!!!!!!!

[Clip]

Great Mardi Gras Hat Fly Edie. You have a winner.

I want one. In fact, I want three. You need to put these in production.

[fishin']

No doubt Edie's hat fly is destined to be a classic.

[Spuds (Piscator Eximius)]

Don't know if Edie's fly can catch fish or not, but it would definitely get them to FLASH it.......

[Barry]

Well, I think she got into the Wine again, here's what she tied this time.

[fishin']

Now that's funny!!
Edie are you sure you're not from Austin??
Great job.

fishin'

[fredtoo]

I sure hope they dont throw those things at Mardi Gras !