Bodkin / Patterns

Foam Tick

Dry Fly · Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass · Panfish · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard dry/wide-gap, straight eye, #12-#16
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Body Black ostrich herl (2mm foam disc, doubled)
  • Underbody Peacock ice dub (1-2 strands herl)
  • Legs Black ostrich herl (fine round rubber, 3 pairs)
  • Indicator Orange or chartreuse material (small foam dot)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and start thread at mid-shank.
  2. Tie in a small black foam strip at the bend, leaving the tag hanging rearward.
  3. Wrap one or two strands of peacock herl forward to just behind the eye for a buggy underbody and tie off.
  4. Pull the foam forward over the top to form a low domed shell and bind it at the eye, keeping the body squat like a tick.
  5. Figure-8 three pairs of short rubber legs across the body, splayed low to each side.
  6. Cap the head with a tiny bright foam dot for visibility, then whip finish under it.
  7. Trim legs short and stubby.
  8. Plop it near overhanging brush and grassy banks for bluegill, bream, and opportunistic bass.

Tying videos

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