Unveiling the Trigger Point Usual: A Fran Betters' Legacy Enhanced with EP Fibers

Fly fishing enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the rich history and timeless elegance of traditional fly patterns. One such classic is Fran Betters' Usual, a creation that emerged from the hands of a master craftsman and found its way into the hearts of many anglers. Today we will dive into the origins of the Fran Betters Usual, paying homage to its roots while exploring an innovative variation known as the Trigger Point Usual, where EP Fibers take center stage.

The Birth of the Usual:

Fran Betters, a renowned fly tyer and fly shop owner, bestowed the world with the Usual, a pattern that gained popularity through the testimony of one of his loyal customers, Bill Phillips. The story goes that Fran crafted a fly using snowshoe hair and than gave it to Bill, who, when asked about the name, simply replied, "The Usual." The simplicity of the name stuck, and so did the fly.

The Original Usual:

The classic Usual featured hot pink or hot orange thread for its distinctive body. The underfur from snowshoe feet provided the body material, while the guard hair from the same source was used for wings and tails. The Usual became a versatile pattern, excelling in imitating mayfly hatches. Popular color variations include pale yellow and rusty orange, each carefully chosen to match the hatch.

TP Usual Fly Tying Tutorial:

TP Usual Materials List:

1. Hook: Moonlit Premium TOGATTA ML102 sz12-20
2. Thread: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Primrose
3. Tail: Semperfli Predator Fibers Silver/Black
4. Body: Semperfli Classic Waxed 12/0 Primrose
5. Rib: Copper/Bronze Alcohol Marker
6. Wing Case: Semperfli Predator Fibers Muskrat Grey
7. Thorax: Semperfli Kapok Dubbing Sulphurea

Working with Snowshoe Hair:

When handling snowshoe hair, it's crucial to break the toes to access the ideal fur. The hair from the toes is known for its hydrophobic floating qualities, making it perfect for dry fly patterns. Tying the wings and tail bushy is recommended, as the material tends to thin out when wet.

The Trigger Point Usual – A Modern Twist:

Enter the Trigger Point Usual, a variation that introduces EP Fibers into the mix. These synthetic fibers, known for their buoyancy and lifelike movement in the water, complement the traditional snowshoe hair, creating a fly that combines the best of both worlds.

Benefits of EP Fibers:

EP Fibers bring a range of benefits to the Trigger Point Usual. Their hydrophobic nature enhances buoyancy, ensuring the fly sits high on the water surface. The synthetic material also retains its volume when wet, addressing the thinning issue associated with wet snowshoe hair. The result is a fly that remains visible and effective, even in challenging fishing conditions.  

Exploring Size Variations:

One of the advantages of incorporating EP Fibers is the ability to tie smaller sizes of the Trigger Point Usual. This opens up possibilities for mimicking smaller mayfly species, catering to a broader range of insect hatches. Anglers can experiment with different sizes to match the specific characteristics of the aquatic insects present in their fishing environment.

Conclusion:

The Trigger Point Usual pays homage to Fran Betters' iconic creation while embracing the advancements offered by EP Fibers. This innovative variation combines tradition with modernity, offering anglers a versatile fly that excels in imitating mayfly hatches and remains visible in various fishing conditions. As we continue to honor the legacy of fly-tying masters like Fran Betters, the Trigger Point Usual stands as a testament to the evolution of classic patterns in the ever-changing world of fly fishing.