Bodkin / Patterns

Jigged Leather Leech

Streamer · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Jig hook, 2XL, 10
  • Thread Black 6/0

Materials

  • Slotted tungsten bead Black or copper slotted tungsten bead (1, 3.3mm)
  • Thin leather or pine squirrel strip Black or wine (1 strip, 1.5 shanks long)
  • Ice dub or leech dubbing Black/wine (pinch)
  • Fine wire (optional counter-rib) Red wire (1 strand)

How to tie it

  1. Seat the slotted bead at the eye and start thread behind it, wrapping a base back to the bend.
  2. Tie in the thin leather or squirrel strip at the bend so a tail of one shank length hangs off the back for a swimming tail.
  3. Dub a slim, tapered leech body forward to just behind the bead.
  4. Fold the strip forward over the top as a leather back, keeping it taut, and bind it down behind the bead so the tail lies flat.
  5. If ribbing, counter-wrap red wire in 5 open turns to lock the back and add a segmented flash, then break off the wire.
  6. Pick out a little dubbing along the sides for a breathing profile.
  7. Whip finish behind the bead and seal with a drop of cement.

Tying videos

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