MATERIALS:
- Hook – Mustad 34007 / Gamakatsu Stinger B10s / Gamakatsu SC15 or any similar saltwater hook in a size 4 or 2 (or upwards depending how big you want the fly to be).
- Thread - .006 Nylon for attaching the dumbbell eyes and bright pink 140 floss/thread for dressing the shank and attaching the wing.
- Wing – SF Blend in Mullet brown.
- Lateral line – small brown cock hackle feathers.
- Flash – a couple of strands of copper coloured flashabou.
- Dumbbell eyes – 3 mm brass/lead/tungsten. Alternatively try similar sized bead chain if you want to keep it light.
TYING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Using the nylon tying thread and a figure of eight method, attach the dumbbell eyes to the underside of the hook shank about 5mm from the eye. A dab of superglue before and afterwards will help the dumbbells to hold position pretty well. Note: if the eyes swivel around the hook you will never catch anything so make certain that they are properly attached.
- Using the pink floss, build up a tapered body down the hook shank until the hook begins to curve. Allow the thread to build up against the dumbbell eyes and you can even over-wrap the figure of eight wraps if you wish. Apply plenty of superglue otherwise the thread will quickly fray from sand abrasion and toothy fish. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly before coating once more and allow it to dry again.
- Once the prepared body is dry, take a pinch of brown deadly dazzle and tie it onto the opposite side with the pink floss. The correct amount should just about fill the hook gap and measure about 2 and a 1/2 times the length of the hook shank. Never allow the wing to shift around the hook as you tie it on. This can be avoid by using upward pressure on the thread as the bobbin goes up and over and using slightly less pressure on the downward side. Any slippage can be manipulated back into form before you lock it into place with a triple half hitch (if you use your fingers) or you can whip finish without detaching the thread.
- Tie in a single brown cock hackle to each side of the wing and top off with a few strands of copper flashabou.
- Finish by building a neat thread head and tie off with a whip finish.
- Coat the thread head with superglue and allow to dry before applying a final coat. Take great care not to allow the glue to wick up the wing.
How to fish it.
This fly is best used on a sinking line to allow one to cover the full water column and has taken needle scale queen fish, all sorts of king fish, bream, gurnard, sole etcs, depending on the retrieve and depth, which are most of the more common species found in the harbour. If you are after grunter then substitute the wing for a pink colour and leave off the feathers.
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