Impressive Undertaking

The second place winner in RiverMagic’s 2010 Fly Tying Championship was Antigonish teacher David MacNeil. David has been fly fishing and fly tying for 35 years, giving his work that polished look that comes with years of experience.

David also attended some fly tying workshops that increased his enjoyment of the hobby and honed his skills. Speaking of the contest, he said “I enjoyed the challenge and I found it really helped me focus my tying. When you are going vise to river it is easy to get sloppy. Your shop, the workshops and the contest have rekindled the fun of tying.”

David’s tie-breaker entry was a salmon fly named and popularized by the late Warren Duncan of Saint John NB, the Undertaker. Dave’s interpretation of the popular wet fly is unlike any I’ve seen, a very personal statement that shows the maturity of his style. I like the balance of bright, dark, and flash, highlighted by small spooky jungle cock eyes. It’s a fitting tribute to Dunc, whom I think would also approve, as did the contest judges. Salmon may not know much about art, but they know what they like!

The Undertaker  (as tied by David MacNeil)

Thread:                      Black

Hook:                          Partridge Bartleet Supreme size 4

Tag:                            Gold flat tinsel

Butt:                            Fluorescent green, then fluorescent orange floss

Rib:                             Fine oval gold tinsel

Body:                          Peacock herl

Throat hackle:           Black

Wing:                          Black bear hair

Cheeks:                     Jungle Cock

Head:                         Black thread finished with glossy head cement

Please stay on the line …