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3. Sandy mite

Wanting to get back into fly fishing. Used to use the Sandy Mite quite a bit but don't know where to buy them locally (Phoenix, AZ). Any suggestions (either stores or on-line)?

Hi Spider,

Please see fhe following links:

http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/advanced/part3.php
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/threads/help-finding-ox-ear-hair-for-sandy-mite.51808/

Based on your post, I must assume you don't tie your own flies. If that is the case, then perhaps you can find a fly tier who would be willing to tie some for you, as this is a very old pattern, which is seemingly no longer commercially tied.

If you can find someone to tie them, I would expect they wouldn't be cheap. There's a lot of effort in weaving hair hackles. I have never seen any of Pott's patterns for sale commercially, but I'm a North East guy. So maybe calling a shop or two in MT, may lead to a source? Specifically Angler's Roost in Hamilton, MT. since at one time the owner bought Pott's business after he died. Not the current owner but they may have a lead there. I'm sure there are other forums that you could try as well. Good luck. I'm sure you can find someone to sell you a woven body fly with simple wound feather hackle if you are looking for a substitute.

I have a couple "Mites". I found them streamside years ago, still pricked in their little cards with the name and address of the tyer. I believe they were woven and hackled with salt and peppery human hair, and I pictured a crusty old codger living alone in a cabin at streamside -Ted Kaczynsky-style.

So... I guess it's time I looked him up. This is pretty cool:
http://www.spencerewert.com/WesternTroutFlies/FranzPott.html

Turns out he's tyer of my own ilk: Work with what you've got.