Hook 2XL long-shank / larva hook (e.g. Daiichi 1710); a curved larva hook also works, 8-14 (2XL)
Thread Red 6/0 (pre-waxed)
Materials
Bead (optional, for a sinking stillwater version) Black nickel bead (1 tungsten, 5/64")
Tail Maroon / dark red material (~12 marabou fibers, slim)
Rib Silver or gold spinner blade with clevis (fine wire)
Body Red buzzer wrap (acetate floss)
How to tie it
If tying the sinking version, slide a 5/64" black-nickel tungsten bead to the eye; mount the hook and start red thread.
Lay a smooth thread foundation from behind the bead (or eye) back to the bend.
Tie in about a dozen maroon marabou fibers for a slim tail one shank-length long. Keep the tail and body the same shade so the fly reads as one solid bloodworm.
Catch in a length of fine wire along the near side of the shank and bind it down the full length to the bend, leaving it hanging for the rib.
Tie in the red acetate floss at the bend, wind the thread forward to just behind the bead/eye, then wrap the acetate floss forward in smooth, slightly overlapping turns to build a slim, evenly tapered body; tie off and trim.
Counter-wrap the wire forward over the body in 6-8 evenly spaced open turns (opposite the floss so it locks the body and shows as bright segmentation); tie off and helicopter the excess.
Build a small thread head, whip finish, and add a drop of cement.
The defining step: briefly dip the finished body in acetone. It lightly melts and fuses the acetate floss into a hard, glassy, translucent shell with a wet blood-red glow. Dip quickly and let it flash-off; do this in a ventilated space and keep it off the marabou tail.