Bodkin / Patterns

Depth Charger-Beadhead

Nymph · Trout · Advanced · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Heavy-wire barbless grub/buzzer hook (Hanak H310) with tungsten bead, 12
  • Thread Black 140 denier

Materials

  • Tungsten bead Black bead (2.7mm)
  • Stripped peacock quill (rib) Natural peacock herl (1 quill)
  • Mirage/opal tinsel (thorax cover) Opal mirage tinsel medium (medium, 1 length)
  • Vinyl cheeks Fluoro orange mono (1 pair)
  • Super glue / clear varnish (finish) Clear head cement (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the tungsten bead onto the hook and secure the hook in the vise.
  2. Start the thread behind the bead, build a small bump to stop the bead moving, then lay touching turns down the shank and around the bend.
  3. Tie in a stripped peacock quill at the rear, then run the thread forward, flattening it (spin the bobbin counterclockwise) to build a smooth body base.
  4. Wrap the quill forward in touching turns to form a segmented body up to the thread; tie off and trim.
  5. Tie in a length of Mirage opal tinsel just behind the bead, starting it slightly on the near side so it rolls to sit on top of the shank for the thorax cover.
  6. Tie in a vinyl cheek on each side at the thorax, keeping the thorax no bulkier than the bead.
  7. Fold the Mirage tinsel forward over the top of the thorax and secure it behind the bead.
  8. Cover the tie-down area and finish with a three-turn whip finish behind the bead.
  9. Coat the body and thorax with super glue or clear varnish and allow to cure for a durable, glossy finish.

Tying videos

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