Bodkin / Patterns

RIO's Gum Dropper

Nymph · Trout · Intermediate · 1 version

Tyer Recipe

  • Hook Jig or curved-shank nymph hook, barbless, 14-18
  • Thread Olive (watermelon) or to match body 8/0

Materials

  • Matte black tungsten bead Matte black tungsten bead (1, sized to hook)
  • Stretch floss / translucent body stretch (Spanflex-style) Watermelon olive (also cherry red, grape, licorice, root beer, bubblegum) (1 strand)
  • Fine wire Silver or copper wire (1 strand (optional rib))
  • UV resin Clear uv resin (Thin coat)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the matte black tungsten bead onto the hook and seat it at the eye; start the thread behind it and lay a smooth thread base down to the bend.
  2. Tie in the translucent stretch-body material at the bend, and a fine wire rib if using one.
  3. Return the thread to just behind the bead in touching turns to make a slim, even underbody.
  4. Wrap the stretch material forward in slightly overlapping turns to build a slim, glassy, gum-like body, stopping behind the bead; tie off.
  5. If using wire, counter-rib it forward in open turns for segmentation and helicopter off the excess.
  6. Build a small thread collar behind the bead and whip finish.
  7. Coat the body with a thin layer of clear UV resin and cure for a wet, translucent 'gummy' finish.

Tying videos

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