From hook to fly
At the vise.
Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.
01
Weight and antennae
Bind wire along each side of the shank. Tie long pheasant fibers and a short mallard tip at the bend.
02
Claws
Attach foam at the bend. Dub a rear thorax; tie a mallard feather with its center removed so two sides form claws.
03
Thorax shell
Fold foam over the thorax, secure, then fold the remaining strip back.
04
Abdomen
Tie in hackle and dub toward the eye. Palmer hackle forward; bind the foam over it with three spaced thread segments.
05
Tail and finish
Whip finish and cement. Punch the eye through the remaining foam and trim a short tail paddle. Curl the claws inward.
Beyond the bench
On the water.
Crawl it along the bottom with small pulls and pauses for bass, trout, or carp.
Have this pattern tied for your water.
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Recipe references
Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.
