Like most experimental flies that I tie, I'll whip up one or two and have them sit on the bench until either I remember where I put them in my box, or I run into a situation on the stream that calls for them. The Arizona Prince was kind of both... I was Czech nymphing a section of stream this spring and broke off my last Masked Marauder when I decided to just experiment. Like always, the trusty
Masked Marauder had caught plenty of fish that day, and I was OK with ending the day experimenting with a new pattern. Even though the Arizona Prince really isn't all that innovative, there is always some question when you replace peacock herl (arguably the most fishy material on the planet) with dubbing. On it went, and I saw multiple fish move out of their way to eat it that afternoon. After a few fish I made sure to get a good mental picture of the fly because I only had one of them... Yep. I broke it off. Luckily the pattern is really simple and I was able to get more samples tied. I have fished it in many color combos since the initial test, and it is one fishy bug that has earned a spot in the starting lineup.
~ Cheech
I really liked this pattern when I first saw it. I didn't have all the materials but I did a good job of copying it.
ReplyDeleteI took it out fishing today and it was an instant success. The browns loved it. :)
Awesome. I kind of fished it on accident the first time it ever got wet. I was kicking myself that I hadn't tried it earlier.
DeleteThe dubbing ball at the base is the best advice ever. I have always hated tying in biots but this makes it much more enjoyable. Taking this pattern to the Eastern Sierras this weekend. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCool. Glad we could help. Let us know how it produces for you.
DeleteGreat pattern Cheech. I got to speak with the Arizona dub dude at the show about his dub and he shared alot of great info. Love the pattern and love the dubbing material on this fly. BTW, he said you guys were awesome, so I guess he was talking about Curtis. :)
ReplyDeleteMost definitely talking about Curtis. Rohmer is one of a kind... His materials have caught me countless fish over the years.
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