Fly Tyer's Bench

Lesson #2: The Simple Shrimp (cont.)

(Fly names are apocryphal, and in some cases, fictional. Author assumes no liability, fault nor is subject to legal action.)

Step 5:

Step 5: Make a dubbing loop with the thread and secure.

Step 6:

Step 6: Insert your spinning tool in the bottom of the loop and fill the loop with the Craft Fur underfur. I typically make my loop about 2.5"-3" long and spread the material out to make it sparse, like the pic above.

Step 7:

Step 7: Spin the dubbing with your dubbing tool and wind it around the hook to form the body. Pay careful attention to covering the area between the eyes adequately.

Step 8:

Step 8: Wrap dubbing till almost tight to the hook eye and tie off with several wraps.

Step 9:

Step 9: Tie in Weed Guard and whip finish. Add a dab of head cement (or clear fingernail polish).

Fly rides hook point up. I like to fish this fly with short hops or twitches. Since the materials are angled up off the bend the fly won't track straight when stripped long. Instead, it tends to lean over on it's side, which can seem to put bones off. Keep the twitches short: 2-3 inches max, and watch the fish for a pickup. This fly has lots of presence under water and plenty of action even when sitting still. It's not unusual for the fish to pick it up cold of the bottom, so it can be moved minimally and left in the 'zone' for long time. It's coloration makes it a great choice over turtle grass.

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