Ask Dr. Backlash Dear Doc: I have been dressing the hackles of my dry flies with red power bait for quite some time now and out-fishing all my buddies at least five to one. My problem is how do I get the power bait buildup off of the flies. If I don't clean them from time to time they cease to float. My fly boxes also start to get pretty gamey and the sheepskin patch on my fly vest starts to smell like a sheep. Is there any way to safely clean my fly inventory and avoid this nasty build up problem? Yours Truly, Carl Tadpole Slough, Indiana Dear Carl, Boy, don't I know the problem. Here's what works for me. Working with about six to ten flies at a time, put them in your wife's blender. Add about two cups of warm water. Never add a solvent or even the most mild detergent. Turn the blender to the slowest speed and cycle the on button in short spurts. Try to not let the blender get away from you during this step. If the speed is too fast or you cycle the flies too long they will come out in a fuzzy, feathery ball looking like something the cat coughed up. After about three or four cycles (depending on the build up) remove the flies. A light blow dry with the wife's hair dryer should revive them back to near perfect condition. Again be sure to use the low speed on the dryer or the flies will disappear before your very eyes. Now here's the best part-dice up about two and a half small new potatoes and add them to the broth you have just created in the blender. With the speed now turned to medium, give them about 30 seconds. A quick zap in the microwave to bring the broth back up to temperature and you have two cups of the finest chowder you have ever tasted. If your flies have only a low build up, you may want to throw the sheepskin patch in and repeat the blending. Bon appetite and Good Fortune. Dr. Backlash
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