Bodkin / Patterns

Drop Arse Ant Barbless

Terrestrial · Trout · Grayling · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook barbless wide-gape dry, 14-16
  • Thread black 14/0

Materials

  • Abdomen Black ostrich herl (dubbing, heavy lump)
  • Head Black ostrich herl (dubbing, small lump)
  • Legs Black ostrich herl (CDC fibers)
  • Sighter Pink ears (poly tuft (optional))

How to tie it

  1. Mount the barbless hook and start black thread at mid-shank.
  2. At the rear third, build a fat, glossy black dubbing lump for the abdomen, packing it heavy so the 'arse' rides low and pulls the fly into the film.
  3. Advance the thread forward across a bare waist, leaving clean thread showing between the lumps.
  4. Sweep a few black CDC fibers around the waist for legs, splayed to each side.
  5. Build a smaller black dubbing lump at the front for the head, stopping short of the eye.
  6. Optionally seat a tiny pink poly tuft on top as a sighter.
  7. Whip finish at the eye and cement.

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