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Showing posts from 2017

Tying the Alphlexo Crab

Here's a how to video for the Alphlexo crab

Milky Dream

Making a Wiggle Tail Rig

Christmas Island special

Tying Wayne Hasselau's Pillow Talk

Fishpond Wind River Roll-top

Short video of my first impressions of this Fishpond submersible backpack

Pike Popper

Instructions for a popper tube fly ideal for pike and muskie. They can be tied in various colours and sizes to suit your fishing, and when fished with a stinger rig have a very good hook up rate compared to  poppers tied on single hooks.  Head over to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support the channel and follow me on tiwtter and instagram @flickinfeathers for more content. Materials used Large diameter hard tube (min 1/8" dia.) Support: bucktail Tail: magnum or saltwater flashabou and lateral scale, saddle         hackles(optional) Body: Sybai tinsel hair Collar: Craft fur Head Large foam popper Eyes: 10mm flat tape UV resin

Squishy Fish

Instructions for tying a variation on Peter Hylander's excellent Squishy Fish. This is an excellent fly for imitating all kinds of baitfish and is effective for pretty much any predatory game fish. head over to Patreon https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support the channel or follow me on twitter/instagram @flickinfeathers for more content. Materials used: Tube: 2 inches of hard plastic 1/8" outer diameter, 3/4 inches of            1/8" inner diameter soft tube and 1/4 " outer diameter soft             polythene tubing cut to length. Weight: 7/16" conehead epoxied to tube blank Body: Flexo expandable mylar sleeving 1/2" coated with            plastidip Thread: GSP or clear mono Eyes: Flat tape eyes to suit Permanent marker pens

Spread Fleye

Step by step instructions for Bob Popovics' spread fly.  In this video I've tried to replicate the original pattern from the "Pop Fleyes" book, but using UV resin instead of epoxy.  This is a very effective fly for anything that eats baitfish and well worth trying  in both fresh and salt water. Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers or head over to  https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support the channel. Materials Used Hook: Saltwater 2-6/0 Thread: Fine nylon mono Body: Super hair/ultra hair + flash (Sybai sparkle hair) Tape or 3D eyes Permanent markers

Tying a Crease Fly

Step by step instructions for Capt. Blados' Crease Fly.  This is a very effective surface fly that also works on sunk lines too. Tie them in various sizes and colours for all kinds of species from smallmouth bass to tunas. Follow me on instagram or twitter @flickinfeathers  or head over to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support the channel. Materials used Hook: Mustad salt water popper, Gamakatsu SP11-3L3H or your choice Thread: 3/0 Tail: Bucktail + flash (I use Sybai tinsel hair) Body: 3mm foam coloured with markers Eyes: flat tape eyes Coating: UV resin, epoxy or Loon Hard Head

Tailing triggers

A couple of quick shots of tailing triggerfish in Okinawa. Southern Japan has miles of flats and is probably one of the best kept secrets in saltwater fly fishing

Peter Mcleod's Gumby Crab

Step by step instructions for Peter Mcleod's Gumby Crab. This crab is fairly easy to tie and works for all sorts of species. Adjust the keel weight and colours to suit the area you're fishing.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers or head to patreon to support the channel https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers Check out Peter's site here http://www.aardvarkmcleod.com/ Materials used Hook: Gammakatsu SL11-3H Thread: Danvilles fat waxed nylon Hot spot: Flou orange chenille, estaz or egg yarn Eyes: Epoxy crab eyes Claws: Knotted chenille Legs: Silli legs Body: Crustacean brush Keel: Tungsen beads on 20lb hard mono Weedguard: Hard mono

Triggerfish Squimp

Instructions for tying a triggerfish version of the classic Squimp.  This pattern has proven itself around the world for bonefish, but is also very effective for other species too. Follow me on instagram or twitter @flickinfeathers or head over to patreon https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support Flicking Feathers. Materials Used Hook: owner flyliner Thread: UTC 70 denier Weight: xs lead dumbbells Tail: craft fur Antenna: rubber legs Hackle: grizzly Body: flat braid Wing: craft fur Flash: crystal flash Legs: rubber legs Weedguard: 20lb mono UV resin

GT semper

Step by step instructions for a fly that has quickly become a staple of the South Pacific's GT fisheries. Simple to tie and full of movement, the semper is a must in your box.  Follow me on instagram or twitter @flickinfeathers or head to Patreon to support  the channel https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers Materials Used Hook: Gamakatsu SL12 size 8/0 Thread: 210 denier flat waxed nylon Tail: Saddle hackles Collar: bucktail Body :Marabou Head: Schlappen UV resin/epoxy

Dredging Clouser

Step by step instructions for a super heavy rattling clouser for super deep dredging.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content or head over to patreon https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support the channel Materials Used Hook: 3/0-8/0 mustad jig hook Thread: 210 Danville's  Rattle:  Bass jig rattle Rattle mount: SIlver scales bddy tubing Weight: Eyeballz 1/4" or similar +0.035 lead wire Under body: Sybai sparkle hair Wing: Silver scales flash blend lateral line: flashabou Epoxy /UV resin

GT poodle

Step by step instructions for the GT poodle fly. This fly has proven effective on locations around the world and is sure to work for more than just GTs.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content or head to Patreon https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers to support the channel Materials list Hook: Gamakatsu  SL12 or S10S-4H 6/0-8/0 Thread: 210 denier or 3/0 of your choice Body: kinky fiber, fuzzy fiber or similar synthetic Throat: Red Synthetic Eyes: 12mm Head: UV resin or epoxy

Tying a Foxy GT Brush Fly

Step by step instructions for a highly effective brush fly variation that is effective for a range of species from pike, to tiger fish to GTs. Follow me on instagram or twitter @flickinfeathers or head over to https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 to support Flicking feathers. Materials Used Hook: Gamakatsu SL12 Thread: UTC Tail: Fuzzy Fibre Head: EP foxy brush Eyes: 3D mirage Eyes

Tying a needle fish

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective needlefish imitation. Try this for kingfish, GT, bluefin trevallly and others. Materials from  www.silverscalesflytying.co.uk follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers or head to patreon to support the channel https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 Materials Hook: Gamakatsu SL12 size 2/0 -8/0 Thread: White Anti foul loop: 20lb mono Body: Silver Scales Flash Blend Eyes: 3D Mirage eyes Finish: UV resin Permanent markers

Veverka's Mantis Shrimp

Step by step instructions for a very effective flats fly. Tie these in a range of sizes and colors to suit your target species and locations. Follow me on twiter or instagram @flickinfeathers or head over to https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 to support Flicking Feathers. Materials Used Hook: Saltwater size 8-1/0 Weight: bead chain-dumbbell eyes Tail: Craft fur Antenna: Crystal flash Eyes: Burnt mono Rostrum: Rabbit fur Legs: silli legs Body: Dubbed craft fur Weed guard: hard nylon

Dick Brown's Magic Mantis

Step by step instructions for Dick Brown's Magic Mantis.  This chunky fly gives a good imitation of the mantis shrimp and works for a range of species, not just bonefish. Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content or head to  https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 to support the channel. Materials Used Hook: Tiemco 777SP (original calls for Mustad 340011) Weight: lead dumbbell Thread: tan 6/0 Tail: Tan deer hair and brown marabou Body: tan and brown cactus chenille Base for eyes: Chenille Eyes:  Stalks from a hair brush Mandibles/antenna: copper crystal flash

Carrot Cake Shrimp

Step by step instructions for Bill Lambot's Carrrot Cake Shrimp.  This is a super simple, durable and fast tie.  The fly is a good alternative for fish that are rejecting the usual patterns and want something a bit different, follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more content or head over to https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 to support the channel Materials Used Hook: Gamakatsu SL11-3H Size 8-6 Thread: Fluo Orange Danville's Weight: Brass bead chain (small/ex small) Tail: Orange rabbit, orange crystal flash Body: Orange chenille

Velcro Crab

Step by step instructions for a very  effective  and versatile crab pattern.  The body provides a basic frame that you can add  various different claw and leg combinations to match the crabs where you are fishing. Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more content or head to https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 to support the channel. Materials Used (suggested list) Hook: Gamakatsu SL11-3H Weight: lead dumbbells Thread:  6/0 to match colour of crab Body: Velcro (soft side) cut to crab shape Legs: rubber legs, chenille or rubber bands Claws: chenille,  cock hackle or rubber Mouth parts: hackle fiber, marabou or similar Eyes: EP crab eyes or similar Belly: Epoxy mixed with white nail polish Weed guard: Hard Nylon

Turneffe Crab

Step by step instructions for a variation of the Turneffe Crab that I first saw being tied by Australian tier Jon Makim of http://www.jonmakimflies.com/.  Simple to tie, this crab pattern was originally designed for bonefish but works well for triggerfish and others. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more content Materials Used Hook: Owner Flyliner size 8-2 Thread: Any 6/0 Body: Furry Foam Legs: Barred round rubber Claws: Deer hair

Coyote Shrimp

Step by step instructions for a nice little shrimp fly.  This is a derivative of a couple of patterns, but largely inspired by Darren from http://www.untamedfliesandtackle.com.au/  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more content or head to https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 to support the channel. Materials used Hook:  Owner fly liner 4-2 (your prefferred bonefish hook would also be fine Thread: veevus FL Orange 10/0 Weight: dumbbell eyes Tail: coyote fur Egg Sack: Glo bug/egg yarn Eye: EP crustacean eyes or home made equivalent Legs: Tan tipped clear/gold flake silli legs and natural cram centipede legs Body: Sybai nymph dubbing Wing: Coyote fur Weed guard :20lb mason

Reach Around Crab

Heading back to Okinawa in search of triggerfish and GTs, I'm tying up some reach around crabs as they seemed to be the most effective pattern on the local triggers with several eats resulting in destroyed flies but none landed. This trip I'm using different hooks and hoping for better results. Step by step instructions for the "Reach Around" Crab.  I believe this pattern originates from the guys at Fly Castaway and is a very effective pattern for trigger fish and others.  It's thin, compact and quite easy casting which makes it great on windier days too. follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content https://www.patreon.com/user?u=5456726 Materials Used Hook: SL11-3H Gamakatsu Thread: Any Keel: tungsten beads on 20lb mono Flash: UV flash Claws: cock hackle Mouth parts: Cock hackle Legs: rubber legs Body: Velcro cut to shape Glue: 5 minute epoxy Weed guard: 20lb Mono

Finger Mullet

Instructions for a simple but effective SF blend Mullet imitation.

Rubber

Step by step instructions for the Vladi worm, or condom worm. This is a great pattern for trout and grayling and relatively easy to tie

Tequeeley

Creature Frog

Step by step instructions for a highly effective bass frog.  This fly will work for anything that will hit frogs off the surface and can be fished through quite heavy cover, it can chug and pop or you can fish it more slowly and it will work more like a slider because of  the round head. Try them in a weed bed near you and hold on!

The fly is the key

Here's a nice video from Guideline on how to build your salmon box.Generally I believe in that doing the right thing with the wrong fly will be more effective than the wrong thing with the right fly, but in many ways when salmon fishing the 2 are intertwined

Foam wing stone

Step by step instructions for a nice stonefly pattern.  With a foam back and wing you can be sure it's floating even in rough water.  Tie them in different sizes and colours to suit the hatches in your area.  It's also a decent hopper/terrestrial  pattern in a pinch. Materials from www.sybai.com Materials Used Hook :Tiemco 200R or equivalent Thread: 6/0 Body: SLF Back/Thorax cover: 2mm foam Wing: 1mm Packing foam Legs: centipede legs

Em Opener

I always enjoy Mikael Frodin's videos, here's a short clip of his of opening day on Sweden's river Em

Super Hair Jiggy

Step by step instructions to tie a super hair version of Bob Popovic's Jiggy fly.  This pattern is a great choice for surf areas and rocks especially for striped bass, seabass along with a range of others.  with a more forward weighting than a clouser the cone gives a slightly different action to the classic clouser minnow as well as being  more snag resistant. twitter/insta @flickinfeathers Materials Used Hook: long shank salt water  streamer Thread: Clear monofilament Head: Cone head to suit (optional lead wire inside cone) Body: Super hair or ultra hair Flash: flashabou or other flash

floor brush

step by step instructions for a simple attractor fly for carp. Bright flies can be very effective for carp, especially in winter, and are a good option for fish that are refusing more somber imitations.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more content. Materials Used Hook: Owner C5 carp hook 6-2 Thread: Veevus 10/0 Weight: bead chain or dumbbells tail/body: microfiber mop bristle Hackle: Senyo's shaggy dub

ULTRA!!!!!!

Step by step instructions for Bob Popovic's Ultra Shrimp.  This is a great shrimp imitation that has been copied by many. It works around the world for a range of species  from bonefish to stripers and a whole range of others. twitter @flickinfeathers Materials Used Hook: Standard shank saltwater Thread: Fine monofilament Legs , mouth parts and rostrum: ultra hair/superhair Flash: flashabou or crystal flash Eyes: Burnt 20lb monofilament Hackle: Cock saddle hackle

SImplicity

Step by step instructions for a super easy, but very effective midge pattern.  Although it doesn't look like much, this simple buzzer will generally out fish more elaborate and gaudy imitations. Materials Used Hook: Kamazan B100/Tiemco 2487 size 12-22 Thread: 6/0 for larger sizes, 8/0 for smaller sizes Thorax: peacock herl

Clouser Crayfish

Step by step instructions for Bob Clouser's Clouser Crayfish.  While this fly was designed for smallmouth bass, it is very effective for trout, carp and other species too. Follow me on instagram or twitter @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials Used Hook: Streamer hook 4-10 Weight: Lead wire Thread: GSP Antenna: Pheasant tail fibres Mouthparts: Hen mallard flank feather Carapace: Furry foam Claws: Hen mallard flank feather Under body: Cream/white dubbing Legs: Saddle hackle
Step by step instructions for the rubber leg swimming nymph, I've made a few tweaks to the original pattern but it's basically the same pattern as the original swimming nymph.  It's a very effective carp fly f in areas that fish are eating crawfish or gobies and can also be used as a general attractor. Materials Used Hook: Ken Sawada black sedge Thread:6/0 Weight: Lead wire Tail: Marabou Abdomen: Hare'e ice dub Thorax: Rabbit fur from zonker Thorax cover: Nymph skin Legs: Silli legs

Surf Candy

Step by step instructions for Bob Popvic's classic saltwater fly.  The Surf Candy need no introduction among salt water anglers, it can be tied in a range of colours and sizes to suit the local bait in your area. They'll catch everything from bass to bluefin, tie some up and give them a try. Materials Used Hook: Standard salt water size 4 -1/0 Thread: fine monofilament Belly sack: silver tinsel Body: Ultra hair/super hair lateral line: crystal flash or other flash material Eyes: flat tape eyes

Torpedo!!!

Step by Step instructions for another heavyweight tungsten jig nymph.  The torpedo jig  is inspired by the Slovak style super heavy nymphs but uses Hanak tungsten pellets to allow for a smaller fly that is quicker to tie.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials used Hook: 60 degree jig nymph Thread : 8/0 flat Tail: Coq de Leon Weight: Hanak "body +" tungsten pellet

It's been years

I haven't picked up a two handed fly rod for about 15 years, but recently I'v been thinking about getting one.  So much has changed and the range of rods, lines and styles is  amazing compared to back then,   I've always been attracted to the Scandi style and it's great to see the developments in this field.  I found this video on basic underhand casting that I thought was very well put together

Green Butt Black Bear

Step by step instructions for a hair wing salmon fly based on the Green Butt Black Bear, this style of fly can be tied in a range of colours and sizes for salmon, steelhead or seatrout. www.sybai.com www.flickingfeathers.blogspot.com Materials Used Hook: Ken Sawada Single Bartleet Thread:6/0 Semperfli Nanosilk Tag: Oval silver tinsel Butt: Green stout floss Tail: Green stout floss Rib: Oval silver tinsel Body: Rear 2/3 flat black holographic tinsel, 1/3 spectra flash dubbing Hackle: webby saddle hackle Wing: Marble fox and Sybai flash blend Cheeks: Jungle cock

The Dr.

Step by step instructions for a Silver Doctor Temple Dog or Scandinavian style salmon fly. This colour combination and style will be well known to most Atlantic salmon anglers,but they can also be used for pacific salmon and steelhead. www.semperfli.net www.sybai.com Materials used Plastic tube system (I like  Guideline or Tiemco but any will do) Thread: 18/0 Semperfli Nano silk Tag: silver holographic tinsel Butt: Fluo red dubbing Tail: blue over yellow craft fur Rib: Oval silver tinsel Body: rear silver holographic tinsel/ front Silver holographic ice dub Body hackle: Blue Chinese cock hackle Wing 1: yellow polar fox Wing 2: red Angel hair and red polar fox Second hackle: Blue Chinese cock hackle Wing 3: Blue Polar fox and seafoam green angel hair Front hackle: grizzly spade hackle Wing 4: Silver Sparkle Hair with golden brown extra select craft fur Cheeks: Jungle cock

Flecka Bug

Step by step instructions for a simple, but incredibly effective dry fly.  I originally tied this to match a fall of migrating spiders, but it works well in midge or gnat hatches too.  Materials used Hook: TMC 2487 or equivalent Tail: pearl mini flat braid or polar flash Body: Fine black dubbing(anything that isn't spiky) Head: black ethafoam

Silver Bullet

Step by step instructions for a super easy, but effective euro nymph. try this with various thread colors for trout and grayling in deeper or faster water when you need to get down. follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials used: Hook: 60 degree jig hook Weight: Hanak "Body +" Tungsten pellet Thread: Fluorescent Veevus 10/0 Tail: Coq de Leon

Greg's Flats Fly

Step by step instructions for a killer little bonefish fly.  Greg's Flats Fly is a bit more complex than standard patterns like gotchas and charlies, but will often work on fussy or pressured fish when the standards fail to produce. Materials used Hook: Gamakatsu SL11-3H size 8-4 Thread: Tan 6/0 Tail: calf tail with some krystal flash over Body: mirage tinsel banded with thread Hackle: cock saddle hackle Rib: Vinyl rib weight: bead chain weed guard: hard mono

Bahama Mama!

Step by step instructions for an effective little bonefish fly that works great from the Carribean to the Pacific, tie it in a few sizes and weights and it'll prove it's worth the space in your box. Materials Used Hook: Standard Saltwater size 6-10 Thread: Fluoro Orange Danville's 140 Weight : bead chain or brass eyes Tail: silli legs Body: mini flat braid, 1/3 fluoro orange 2/3 pearl Wing: Tan rabbit fur with a few strands of crystal flash Weed guard: Hard mono

Long Range Killer

Step by step instructions  for an excellent hair wing salmon fly with a Russian twist.  The Shumakov long range tube is a nice alternative to bottle tubes or Scandinavian style with heavy cones while still providing a nice compact weighted  fly. Materials Used Shumakov Long range tube Plastic lining tube Thread: Veevus 10/0 black Flash: angel hair 1 hot orange, 2 gold, 3 peacock 1st hackle: grizzly cock dyed orange 2nd hackle: Blue guinea fowl Wing : Yellow and black polar fox Cheeks: Jungle cock
Step by step instructions for Austin Goldsmith's live bait. A quick and simple tie, this sandeel pattern is great for, stripers European and Japanese seabass among a range of other species Materials Used Hook: Saltwater 1-6 with a bend back Thread: clear nylon mono Body: Olive over white DNA holofusion Eyes: Red 3D eyes

Jiri Klima's Micro Nymph

Step by step instructions for one of Jiri Klima's deadly nymph patterns from the Czech Republic. Try them for trout and grayling, you won't be disappointed.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials Used Hook: Jiri Klima drop weighted hook Thread: Veevus 10/0 Tail: Coq de Leon Rib: Flat silver tinsel Body: Pink Dubbing Thorax cover: Pheasant tail or antron yarn Legs:Hen hackle fibres

Polish Pheasant Tail

Step by step instructions for a highly effective variation on the pheasant tail nymph in the Polish style. The tungsten bead and slim profile make this pattern excellent for short line nymphing in fast water.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials Used Hook: Knapek Gammarus 12-16 Weight: Tungsten bead Thread: Fluorescent UTC Tail: Coq de Leon Rib: Gold Wire Abdomen: Pheasant tail fibres Thorax: Squirrel dubbing  blended with UV ice dubbing

Hairy Fodder

Step by step instructions for the Hairy Fodder bass fly.  It's an easy tie and very effective for both largemouth and smallies in rivers and stillwater.  It's also a prett good option for large carp that are displaying more predatory behaviour like those in the great lakes Materials used Hook: Gamakatsu B10s Size 6-1 Thread: 140 danvilles flymaster Weight: dubmell eyes Tail: several rubber legs with a few strands of flash Body: rabbit zonker Weedguard: hard nylon

Mayfly Nymph

Step by step instructions for a basic mayfly nymph imitation.  This is a generic upwing pattern and the size and color can be adjusted to suit the species you wish to imitate.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials used Hook: Nymph hook 8-18 Weight: lead wire Thread: Uni 8/0 Tail: Brahma hen fibres Body: Life cycle dubbing Rib: Thread Thorax cover: Pheasant tail

Turbo Popper Billfish Fly

Step by step instructions for a billfish tube with a  Rainy's turbo popper head. for some serious disturbance.  Tie them in your preferred colour combinations and sizes for the offshore fish near you.  Although it's designed for billfish like marlin and sailfish, don't hesitate to chuck it at Mahi's kingifsh or others that come up on the spread. Materials used Large plastic tube Semperfli Nano silk 3/0 Saltwater flashabou several saddle feathers rainy's turbo popping head 15mm flat tape eyes superglue

Klingons on the starboard bow

step by step instructions for Peter Morse's Klingon bill fish fly.  This fly has proven to be effective in Australia and Malaysia among other locations. Check out Morsie's website here  http://wildfish.com.au/ Materials Large plastic tube Thread: White 3/0 Super hair: white + a contrasting colour pearl flash krystal flash Saddle hackles, white + contrasting colour 10mm eyes Loon UV thick

Sawyer's Pheasant Tail

Step by step instructions for Frank Sawyer's classic.  The pheasant tail nymph has spawned countless variations but the original remains a firm favorite of many.  This fly is very simple, requiring only 2 materials but causes problems for some, hopefully this video will help.  Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Materials Used Hook:Nymph hook 16-20 Thread: fine redish copper wire Tail/body/thorax cover: pheasant tail fibres

Tying A Cam Sigler Big Game Tube

Step by step instructions for the classic bill fish fly Cam Sigler's Big Game Tube.  It's been a mainstay of the billfish fly fishing scene for years and contineus to work for  marlin, sailfish and other pelagic species too.  It's not the most difficult tie, but will make you burn through a lot of materials. Materials used Large diameter plastic tube Thread: 3/0 (I use semperfli nanosilk) Tail:Saddle hackles 12-18 in contrasting colours Flash:Saltwater flashabou Colar: Several plumes of marabou Eyes:large eyes of your choice UV resin Popper: Cam Sigler Popping head www.camsigler.com 

Tungsten bead caddis

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective nymph pattern that works for trout, grayling and other species too. Adjust the size and  weight to suit where your fishing. Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content Materials Used Hook: Knapek Gammarus 8-16 Weight: Tungsten bead Thread: Dark UTC Shell back: Sybai fine flex Body: Ice dub Rib :4lb Nylon

The straggler

Here are instruvtions for an effective little nymph pattern I've been working on.  It's a quick, easy tie that works well for trout and grayling. Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more flishing content. Materials used Hook: Knapek jig size 10-16 Weight: Tungsten bead Tail: Egg yarn Abdomen: Straggle string Hackle : CDC feather Thorax: ice dub

Straggle String Caddis Larva

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective caddis imitation.  Try this anywhere you'd fish Czech or European style nymphs. Materials www.Sybai.com www.semperfli.net Hook: Knapek Gammarus14-6 Weight: flat lead Thread: Semperfli Nano silk Rib: 4lb mono Shell back: Sybai fine stretch Body: Semperfli straggle string

Flash tail foxy minnow

Step by step instructions for a slight twist on Dan Blanton's flash tail clouser.  This pattern is a killer for anything that eats baitfish from bass, to pike to snook and others. Materials Used Hook: Mustad 32786BLN Weight:Pseudo Eyes Thread: Danvilles Flat Waxed Nylon Tail:Sybai New Sparkle hair Body: Synthetic Dubbing Belly: white fleece or fox tail Wing : fox tail

Bend back

Step by step instructions for a classic bendback pattern.  These little bait fish are almost completely weedless and great around structure and grass. Tie them in a range of colours of sizes to suit your target species whether its redfish in the grass or largemouth on docks or any other species that eats minnows or other small bait. materials used Hook: Tiemco 411S Thread 6/0 Weight(optional) flat lead Body: Flash material coated with UV resin Wing 1: Bucktail, and flash (Sybai new sparkle hair) Wing 2: Saddle hackles Eyes: 5mm 3D eyes

Reed smut

Step by step instructions for tying a simple reed smut imitation.  Small black flies like this are well worth a place in your box for those days when the fish are preoccupied and won't look at anything bigger. twitter @flickinfeathers Materials used Tiemco 2487BL 20-28 Thread: Black Veevus 10/0 Wing:CDC and a couple of strands of flash Body: Black Superfine dubbing

Perdigon Nymph

Number 12 in the fly tying for beginners series is a basic Perdigon nymph.  These are great little nymphs for  Czech, French and other European style nymphing.  You can make them more complex if you want to by adding a rib, quill body or flashback etc. but you'll catch plenty of trout and grayling on the simplest versions. Materials Used Hook: Jig hook 14-16( I used Knapek) Head: Slotted tungsten bead Weight: .015 lead wire Tail: Coq de Leon Body : Veevus 10/0 Collar: Contrasting Veevus 10/0 Wing case: Black nail polish Coating: UV resin

The Ultimate Shrimp

Step by step instructions for a variation of the Ultimate Shrimp.  A truly deadly flats pattern for a wide range of species including bonefish, permit and trigger fish.  Tie some and try them for your next flats trip. Materials used Hook: Gamakatsu SL12 or similar Legs: silli legs Mouthparts:  marabou Eyes: EP crab eyes or similar Weight: dumbell eyes Body: UV resin (optional Loon sparkle powder)

Dirty Sub

Detailed instructions for a nice little carp bug that's ideal for waters where the fish prefer a smaller fly.  I like small beadhead bugs for carp but wanted something that would fish hook up while still maintaining the small profile. Tie them in a range of weights and colours to suit where you're fishing. Materials used Hook: Owner C5 boilie hook size 4 Thread: Veevus 10/0 Weight: tungsten bead mounted on 20lb mono Legs: black and white barred sillileg Tail: Chickabou Body: Semperfli straggle string Hackle: Whiting Brahma hen

Bass GIMP

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective subsurface bass fly. I've designed this fly to be a quick and simple tie, try them in various colors and sizes to suit the waters you're fishing for large mouth, small mouth and others.  Materials Used Hook: Tiemco 200R size 4-10 Thread: Danville's flat waxed nylon Weed guard: 20lb Mono Weight: dumbells to painted to match color scheme Tail: marabou, 2 colors Flash: Sybai new sparkle Hair Body: rear 2/3 Sybai spectra flash dubbing front 1/3 SLF Collar: Silicon legs

Euro Nymphing 101

This series showed up on my suggestions page and I gave it a look, quite well put together and good tips for anyone looking to start out with short line nymphing.  My only bugbear is that they only fished 2 flies, I'm not sure about regs in America, but back home in Scotland I always fished 3 which allows for more control of depth through switching flies and positions

CDC dun

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective CDC dun.  I've tied this version as a PMD but you can change the size or colour to match the naturals you want to imitate. Hook: Tiemco 103BL size13-21 Thread: veevus 10/0 Tail: Coq de Leon Abdomen: Turkey biots Wing : CDC Thorax: Superfine dry fly dubbing.

Marty's Minimal Mud Bug

Detailed instructions for a simple little crayfish imitation that I've developed over the last year or two, it's a quick easy tie and well worth a place in your fly box. Try it for bass, carp and others. Materials Used Hook: TMC 200R size 4-8 Thread: 6/0 Weight. 0.035 Lead wire Tail: Rabbit zonker Body: Blend of Sybai SLF and spectra flash dubbing Rib: Medium wire Legs: Medium round rubber

Red Tag Jig

Step by step instructions for an easy to tie, but deadly nymph pattern. The red tag will work for trout, grayling and others, so should find a place in any nymph fisher's box.  Follow me on twitter or instagram for more fishing content  @flickinfeathers Materals used Hook: Knapek jig 12-16 Bead: slotted tungsten Thread: dark 8/0 Tag: Flame glo bug yarn Body: peacock herl Rib: silver oval tinsel or wire Thorax: black ice dub

Bob Clouser's Deep Minnow

Step By step instructions for tying Bob Clouser's famous deep minnow, This fly is absolutely deadly and will catch pretty much anything that swims.   It's a simple pattern, but one that a lot of people struggle to get right, hopefully this video will help. Materials used Hook: Gamakatsu S10S 4H Thread: 6/0 Body/wing: Bucktail and flash Weight: Dumbbell eyes

Grayling Bomb!

Step by step instructions for a really effective river bug. Don't be fooled by the name, this fly works for trout, carp and barbel as well as grayling. Find me on twitter or instagram @flicking feathers for more fishing content. Materials used Hook: Knapek Gammarus 8-12 Weight: 2 tungsten beads Thread: Fl orange or pink Rib: silver oval tinsel Body: Glister sparkle dubbing

Bibio Perdigon Nymph

Step by step instructions for an effective perdigon variation.  These little nymphs are highly effective for both trout and grayling and  well worth their place in any nymph box. For more fishing content find me on twitter or instagram @fickinfeathers Materials Used Hook: Jig hook 14-18 Bead: Black slotted tungsten Thread: Black Tail: Cock hackle fibres Rib: pearl crystal flash Thorax: Red tinsel Thorax cover: black nail polish top coat UV resin

Nich Fish

Detailed tying instructions for a simple but effective baitfish fly  that works well in both fresh and salt water try them for fry feeding trout in lakes or seabass from the beach and many more. Materials used Hook: Gamakatsu S10 S4H Thread: Fly master plus Body: SF blend or some other fibre you like Head: foam dowel Eyes: 3D eyes of your choice

Rigging for Sailfish

After our Sailfish trip to Rompin in November I've had a few questions about the equipment needed to tackle old stick face. The following  information is by no means definitive, but should prove useful to anyone looking to try their hand at sails on fly.  And you should all be looking to! Rods, Reels and Line  You're looking at #12 outfits here. We all have our preferred brands and models, and on this trip there were rods from Sage, Redington, TFO and Colton on the boat.  Although all of them got it done, the Colton blue water stick which was a bit heavier seemed to be putting more strain on the angler than the fish at times but had excellent lifting power near the boat, it's probably a great stick for fighting tuna. Obviously you need a reel to match your rod, quality brands that you trust and have confidence in are a must.  I mostly used a Tibor Gulfstream loaded with 300yards of 65lb backing and a Rio GT line for poppers. The guide's choice was a Nautilus

wooly bugger

Step by step instructions for a basic Wooly Bugger.  This classic streamer is a great pattern for beginner tyers and can be used as a jumping off point for other streamers and variations. Materials Used Hook: Long shank streamer Thread: 6/0 Tail: Marabou Flash: Crystal flash or similar Rib: Wire Body: wooly bugger chenille Hackle: Cock Saddle hackle

the Frenchie

Step by step instructions for the Frenchie. This deadly variation on the pheasant tail originated in the competition scene, but is well worth a space in any nymph box. Follow me on twitter or instagram @flickinfeathers Materials used. Hook: 12-18 jig (or standard nymph hook) Bead:Gold tungsten bead to suit. Thread: Fluoro Pink Tail: pheasant tail fibres Abdomen: pheasant tail Rib: copper wire Thorax: UV pink ice dubbing (chartreuse , orange and red are also good)

Deer Hair Primer Part 2

In part 2 of the deer hair primer. In this installment I'm looking at choosing hair and the hooks I like to use. Hopefully you'll now feel a bit more confident in the materials you'll be using before we move on to simple techniques in the next part.

Clouser Floating Minnow

Detailed instructions for Bob Clouser's floating minnow.  This fly excels in situations where fish are reluctant to hit a noisier surface fly but still want a surface silhouette. Designed for smallmouth bass but highly effective for predatory gamefish the world over.  Slide it slowly across the surface or twitch it near structure and hold on. Materials Used Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 (but use what you like) Thread: Flat waxed nylon Throat: Red crystal flash Body/tail: 2 colours of Bucktail with flash between Head:2 Foam bug bodies Eyes: flat tape eyes Top coat: UV resin or epoxy mixed with fine glitter.

It comes from a land down under!

Guerilla Bug Detailed instructions for a tasty little surface pattern from Australia.  The Guerilla bug is  a pretty snag proof little surface fly that works well for bass, panfish,  mangrove jacks and bream among others.  Tie some up and give them a try  in your local woodpile. Materials Used Hook: Gamakatsu B10S Thread: Flat waxed nylon Tail: Marabou Flash: Sparkle Hair Body: Spectraflash dubbing Rib: 12-15lb Nylon Head: Foam Spider body Legs: Sili legs

Iwai Minnow

Detailed instructions for the Iwai minnow. This is a Japanese variation on the mylar minnow theme and is a firm favourite for Japanese seabass. It's also effective for other game fish, especially ambush predators. Materails Used Hook: Gamakatsu B10S Thread: Flat waxed Nylon Tail: Flashabou Body: Mylar tubing over a foam cylinder Throat: Red EP fibres Eyes: Black plastic bead chain or glass beads fixed on Nylon Coating: Liquid fusion or similar tough flexible glue

Monster Bugger

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective articulated streamer.  The double bugger, or monster bugger as some call it, is essentially the basis of many modern articulated streamers and a good starting point for anyone looking to build a collection of patterns. The materials listed below are a suggestion and can be changed/subbed to suit your needs. Materials used: Hook :Varivas 2500V SE size 4+2 Thread: 140 denier Daniville's  Tail: Marabou Flash: Sybai tinsel hair (flashabou) Body: Ice Dub Rib: Copper wire Hackle: Schlappen Articulation: 26lb beading wire and some glass beads Weight: lead eyes Head: Sybai Nymph dubbing Rubber legs

Tying with deer hair part 1

I've added a series of videos on deer hair work. The first one looks at the tools you'll need if you want to start tying deer hair bugs.

Chenille Crab Claws

No need to pay for EP claws when you can knot up your own in a few seconds.

Double deciever

Step by step instructions for a variation on the double deceiver.  A modern classic, this fly will catch any predatory fish, just adjust the size to suit. Materials Used Hooks: Gamakatsu B10s (rear) Varivas 2500V SE (front) Thread: 6/0 flymaster Tail: schlappen or saddle hackles Flash: Sybai Sparkle Hair Body: Polar Chenille Belly: Bucktail Back: Bucktail Articulation: 26lb beading wire and glass beads. 3D eyes UV resin

zoo cougar

Step by step instructions for Kelly Galloup's Zoo Cougar. This streamer is a modern classic and really deadly for large trout, bass and others. Tie some and try them. Find me on Twitter or Instagram @flickinfeathers for more fly tying and fly fishing content. Materials Used Hook: streamer 2-6 Thread: GSP Tail: marabou Body: pearl braid or dubbing Under wing: Calf tail Wing: Mallard flank Head: Deer hair

Getting back to trout.. maybe

Step by step instructions for a simple but effective nymph pattern.  This is a basically a variation on a Walt's Worm but can be very effective in slightly darker or more colored water. Follow me on Twiiter or instagram @flickinfeathers for more fishing content. Matrials Used Hook: 12-18 jig hook Thread: Veevus 10/0 hot orange Rib: Pearl Crystal Flash Body:Natural squirrel fur

Redington Behemoth Full Review

A few months on and it's time for the full review of the Redington Behemoth.  This real really is excellent value for money and performs well above it's price point.  Despite a few minor issues it's a definite 5 out of 5 stars from me on this reel.  Nothing at the price point is going to match it.