Paul's February 2017 Fly of the Month

Charlie Place's Yellow Mustache Streamer

Hook:  Mustad 3665A Size #6. 

Body:  Silver mylar body wrapped from the eye to the bend of the hook and back to the eye.

 Gill/cheeks:  Bright red thread started from the eye and wrapped about a half inch toward the hook bend.

 Wing:  Yellow marabou on top of the hook.  Extends about twice the hook shank.

 “I make the bodies then cover them with head cement or whatever you use.  Then put the marabou on”.  – Charlie Place.

 A few months back a fly fishing friend asked me if I knew the instructions for tying Charlie Place’s Yellow Mustache Streamer.  Charlie passed away some years ago, and I didn’t know or remember how to tie the fly.  So I got in contact with a friend who knew friends that did.  Above is the recipe for the streamer.  An easy tie for even a novice fly tyer and it sure catches fish. 

I didn’t know Charlie very well.  Just enough to say hi and bye at fly fishing functions and meetings.   A few times we spoke briefly about fly fishing Cape Cod, a passion for both of us.  Unfortunately the timing was never right for prolonged conversations.  We were both very involved in the events that we attended.  That was my loss.  In seeking out the “Yellow Mustache” I went through some old magazines in my basement.  I came across a few articles that Charlie had written for On the Water magazine.  I had loved reading them back then.  Re-reading some of them now, I appreciate them even more.  I think Charlie captured the essence of what fly fishing is all about.  He viewed fly fishing as more of a life experience.  He wrote as much about his friends, his fishing surroundings, and passion for the sport, as he did catching fish.  I wish I had taken advantage of getting to know him better.  He was my “kinda’ of fly fisherman”.

You can view a tribute to Charlie Place on-line at http://www.onthewater.com/remembering-charlie-place/.  It also includes one of Charlie’s articles that gives you a great sense of what he was all about.

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of The Month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .