Step 1. Begin with an Eagle Claw # L2222
circle hook in 4/0 (or other similar circle hook). De-barb the hook (this is easier to do at the
tying bench than it is on the water and if you break it here you
merely need another hook and not an entire fly) and place in the vise jaws
securely. Using clear monofilament for thread lay down a base coat of thread 3/4
of the way down the hook shaft. Attach a small bunch of white (belly color)
along the shaft 1/4 of the way up from the bottom of the hook bend. Secure the
wraps moving toward the hook eye. Trim excess material at an angle.
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Step 2. Attach a small bunch of gray
above the white kinky fiber. The gray should be shorter than the
white by 1/4 length. I add an additional gray layer so it is double the volume
of the white. Make all thread wraps forward toward the hook eye. Trim excess
material as needed. Make sure the bunches of kinky fiber are close to each other
and tight. Ensure that the material is not covering the eye of the hook.
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Step 3. Attach a bundle of olive above
the gray material. The olive should be 1/4 length longer than the white and 3/4
the volume of the gray material. Ensure that the hook eye is clear and free of
material. Trim excess and wrap thread forward toward the hook eye. Secure the
thread with a whip finish. Glue the head with Flexament or epoxy. Ensure
there is adequate ventilation when working with glue or epoxy! I add 10 MM
craft eyes with a drop of Goop. Do not let the Goop touch between the eyes (this
will keep the barb from coming through the material when the hook is set). I
place a spot on the sides, a black strip down the back and a red strip along the
hook shank using a permanent marker.
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Step
4. Allow the fly to dry in a well ventilated area. Once dry, comb or
brush the fly to blend the kinky fiber colors together. Trim the fly to present
a oval profile, like a baitfish would appear to be. Use a loop knot to add more
life to the fly. I used a Tie Fast Knot Tyer to tie this loop knot. The knot
allows the fly to swim with less drag and provides a greater darting action.
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