Bodkin / Patterns

Redhead Leech Balanced

Streamer · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook 60-degree jig hook (balanced), 10-12
  • Thread Red 6/0

Materials

  • Balance pin (or straight pin) Steel balance pin (1)
  • Slotted bead Silver or black bead (1, on the pin)
  • Marabou Black or olive marabou (1-2 plumes)
  • Ice dub (optional) To match dubbing (pinch)

How to tie it

  1. Lay the hook in the vise. Set a balance pin along the top of the shank so it projects past the eye, slide a slotted bead onto the pin so it sits a short way ahead of the eye, then lash the pin down tight and snip the excess. That forward bead is what balances the fly horizontal.
  2. Start red thread and cover the shank and the base of the pin.
  3. At the bend tie in a marabou tail about one shank length.
  4. Tie in a marabou plume (or dub a slim body) and wrap forward to just behind the bead, forming a lean leech body; add a turn of ice dub if you want a little sparkle.
  5. Build a bold red thread collar right behind the bead, the red-head trigger.
  6. Whip finish and cement.

Tying videos

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