Bodkin / Patterns

Big Y Tarpon Orange

Attractor · Tarpon · Advanced · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook TMC 800S (or Mustad 34007), 1/0-3/0
  • Thread Fluorescent orange Flat waxed nylon

Materials

  • Trimmed hackle stem (tail support) Any hackle (1)
  • Crystal Flash Orange holographic tinsel (3-4 strands)
  • Wide saddle/cape hackle (tail) Burnt orange (~6 feathers)
  • Guinea (cheeks) Dyed burnt orange (2 side feathers)
  • Saddle hackle (collar) Orange saddle hackle (2 feathers)
  • Flexible cement + epoxy (head) Clear uv resin (As needed)

How to tie it

  1. Start the thread behind the eye with a jam knot and wind back to the bend, keeping the flat nylon flat by spinning the bobbin counterclockwise.
  2. Tie a trimmed hackle stem flat on top of the shank as a tail support, extending about one and a half shank lengths past the bend; trim.
  3. Double three or four strands of orange crystal flash around the thread and split them along each side of the shank, about one and a half shank lengths long.
  4. Select about six wide burnt-orange feathers, even the tips, and split them into two piles of three; pair the piles tips-together with the dull sides facing out and tie them on top of the hook so they splay; ease thread tension on the rearward wraps and firm up going forward.
  5. Tie a burnt-orange dyed guinea feather flat on each side as a cheek, curve facing out, and add a little flexible cement to the wraps.
  6. Prepare two orange saddle hackles (leaving some webby fluff), tie them in, and wind them together as a collar, stroking the fibers back with each turn; tie off and over-wrap the fibers so they sweep rearward.
  7. Wind a smooth, tapered thread head back toward the eye, keeping the nylon flat, then whip finish.
  8. Coat the collar wraps with flexible cement and finish the head with epoxy.

Tying videos

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