Bodkin / Patterns

Hard Body Ant

Terrestrial · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard dry, down eye, #14-20
  • Thread Black 8/0

Materials

  • Rear gaster Black ostrich herl (built-up thread, lacquered)
  • Legs/hackle Black hackle (1 hackle, few turns)
  • Front head Black ostrich herl (built-up thread, lacquered)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and start thread at the bend.
  2. Build up a smooth, bulbous rear segment (gaster) at the back third with layered thread wraps, tapering at each end.
  3. Coat the rear segment with a drop of head cement or UV resin and let it cure to a hard, shiny gloss.
  4. Advance thread to the waist and tie in a black hackle.
  5. Take two or three turns of hackle at the waist for legs and sweep the fibers to the sides.
  6. Build a smaller bulbous front head segment with thread ahead of the hackle.
  7. Whip finish, then coat the front segment with cement or resin to match the rear.

Tying videos

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