Nine-three

[Capt.Dan]

Hello all, I'm looking for pictures of a nine three or how to make one.
thanks
Dan

[Mountain Angler]

Here is a of link that should help. The picture is not all thet clear, but the tying instructions are good.

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part90.html


I did a video a few years ago on this fly and a couple other old Maine streamers, I have a couple left if you are interested send me an e mail.
The fly is a flat wing and most tiers fail to tie it right.

Try Fran Betters web site as well.

[Chappy]

Thanks for the info. How is the Nine-Three pattern running at 2.0 MPH? Will it be a small propellar or will it provide good action. I will be tying some up this year to test out this spring.

[wb man]

The original 9/3, originated by Dr. J. Hubert Sanborn, is as follows:

Body: Flat silver tinsel
Underwing: White bucktail
Wing: 2-3 green hackles tied in flat with 2-4 black hackles tied in "normal" over.
Cheek: Jungle Cock
Head: Black

I think the few flatwing streamers that exist throughout history had gone out of style and been changed to standard wing flies because they tend to swim funny, at least in my experience. IMO, they were originated to be different, possibly cutting edge, but have faded away. The 9/3 is more commonly tied with the wing tied upright, with either black flanking green or green flanking black. There are many variations on it, some with rib some without, some with peacock swords some without, etc. This is the way I prefer to tie it as it makes a nice smelt pattern. Duane
http://vigsbigflys.com/434b84a0.gif

[fessiewig]

Duane,

Damn you tie a nice fly! I take it you're one of the "ribless" tiers. I tie it similar except with the rib. Am I wasting my time?

[wb man]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Funny thing, that pic does show it without a rib. I actually prefer a rib as it adds more durability. And while on the subject of ribs, another thing is to counter wrap the rib, so when the tinsel or floss body does come undone, the rib holds it in place. A lot of people tie the rib the same direction as the body and when the body comes undone it will come apart from wrap to wrap. In short: Add a rib and counter wrap it. You ll have a longer lasting fly for sure. I coat all my flies with a liquid plastic resin so the durability the rib adds isn't really an issue. Hope that helps. Duane

[Mountain Angler]

Interesting question about trolling speed, to be honest I have no idea at what speed the fly would begin to spin. When these old flies were first introduced the outboard motor was just coming into fashion. They were designed to troll behind a canoe or a row boat. I remember reading Gene Letourneau writing about his father rowing the length of Messalonskee Lake. Men were men in those days.
Dick Stewart, in his book, talks about the speed and motion of a paddled canoe being just about perfect for trolling flies.
The Nine-three, as you know, came from the Belgrade Lake Region which, as every true Mainer knows is the real “Golden Pond”.
Keep us posted I would like to know how your experiments go.

[Steve H.]

I am thankful that I have the privilege to vacation each year at The Belgrades, usually on Great Pond. I hope I don't sound like a hypocrite when I say I do enjoy fishing for trophy bass, pike, and brown trout in this area. But it is really sad to know that these beautiful lakes once contained large populations of brook trout and landlocked salmon that were essentially decimated by invasive species.

[mtnzone]

hey Duane how you feeling?

[wb man]

Pretty crappy, but I appreciate you asking. I think yesterday or the day before was the first time I was on line in over a week. Thanks, Duane

[mtnzone]

damm.. hope you feel better....