Bodkin / Patterns

Brent's Vampire Leech

Streamer · Trout · Advanced · 1 version

Tyer Recipe

  • Hook Hanak H550BL barbless jig, 10
  • Thread Black 6/0

Materials

  • Slotted tungsten bead Chartreuse slotted tungsten bead (1/8 inch)
  • Marabou Black marabou (1 feather (tail))
  • Holographic tinsel Black holographic tinsel (1 strand (body))
  • Arizona Semi-Seal Black dubbing (Small amount (thorax))
  • UV mohair, long-fibered Purple arctic fox (Small dubbing loop (body veil))

How to tie it

  1. Seat the slotted chartreuse tungsten bead so it sits on top of the jig bend, not slid over toward the eye; start the thread behind it.
  2. Take a black marabou feather, remove the tip, and stroke the fibers down; measure the tail slightly longer than the hook shank and tie it in, taking a wrap behind the tail base so it stays in line with the shank.
  3. Tie in the black holographic tinsel just behind the bead, wrap the thread back over it to the tail, bring the thread forward, then wrap the tinsel body forward and tie off.
  4. Dub a thin noodle of black Semi-Seal and wrap a small thorax over the front portion of the body.
  5. Pick the thorax out thoroughly with a dubbing pick, as much as you can without damaging the thread, and sweep the fibers back so they blend with the next layer.
  6. Form a small dubbing loop, load it with the long purple UV mohair, and spin it; then pull the fibers out long so they can reach all the way back to the tail.
  7. Wrap the mohair brush only two or three turns behind the bead, stroking the fibers rearward with each wrap; tie off and trim the loop.
  8. Whip finish a couple of times right behind the bead and pull tight.
  9. Pull the veil fibers out and back so they flow to the tail. And pull off (never cut) any fibers longer than the tail so the ends stay naturally tapered and slender.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns