Bodkin / Patterns

Minkie Boobie

Streamer · Stillwater · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Tim Joyce Flyfishing-Essex dressing

With the B175 size 8 in the vise and the pair of 5mm foam cylinder eyes already lashed in at the front, start the UTC 140 thread and run it all the way back to the tail position.
Measure two to two-and-a-half inches of White mink over the back of the hook for the tail, wet your fingers and split the fur at the tie-in point by drawing it forward and back so the hide shows clean.
Offer the strip up and bind it in with a few tight wraps so it cannot slip, then fold the strip back over itself and leave it out of the way.
Tie the Pearl Mylar no12 in at the front of the body rather than the rear so the bulk does not build in one place, bind it back down the shank and bring the thread forward again.
Wrap the mylar forward in close turns, increase the turns as you go to build the body, then wrap back to about halfway and forward again to taper it; catch it in and trim.
Bring the mink strip forward over the top of the body and trap it in tight behind the foam eyes with the thread, wetting your fingers and drawing the fur forward so you are not binding hair in under the wraps.
Whip finish over the top and trim the excess hide.
Varnish the head where the mink is trapped in, add a drop underneath the fly, and a drop at the rear tie-in of the mink as well for extra security.