Bodkin / Patterns

Blonde Balanced Leech

Streamer · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Jig hook (60/90-degree), 10-12
  • Thread Tan 6/0

Materials

  • Bead Gold/tan bead (Slotted tungsten bead)
  • Balance pin Silver metal tape (A fine sequin pin or wire extension)
  • Tail Tan carapace (Tan marabou plume)
  • Flash Pearl flashabou (A few strands of pearl/copper Krystal Flash)
  • Body Tan carapace (Tan marabou dubbing or leech chenille)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the bead onto a straight pin, then lay the pin along the top of the jig-hook shank so the bead extends past the eye, and lash it down tight. This is what balances the fly level.
  2. Snip off the excess pin and lock the wraps with a drop of glue.
  3. Start thread at the bend and tie in a tan marabou tail, one to one-and-a-half shank lengths long, with a couple of strands of flash.
  4. Dub or wrap a tan body forward, building a slim taper up to the bead.
  5. Optionally palmer a soft marabou or tan hackle at the front for a breathing collar.
  6. Whip finish behind the bead and add a drop of cement.
  7. Check the balance, hung from the hook point it should ride perfectly horizontal.

Tying videos

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