Streamer · Steelhead · Trout · Advanced · 1 version
Reference Recipe
Hook Articulated shank trailing a short-shank stinger hook on braid, Shank 25-40mm + short stinger hook
Thread Black 6/0
Materials
Shank Black shank (1)
Stinger hook (1, on 20-30 lb braid loop)
Tail Marabou (color to taste) (1-2 plumes)
Flash Krystal Flash / Flashabou (1 small bunch)
Body Peacock herl or Ice Dub (few strands)
Collar hackle Schlappen or marabou (1-2 feathers)
Head Fish-mask / Fish-Skull mask (1)
Eyes Stick-on 3D (1 pair)
How to tie it
Thread a braid loop through the shank and trap the stinger hook riding point-up a short reach behind it, binding the tags down.
Test-fit the fish mask over the front of the shank so you leave the right amount of room, then set it aside.
Start thread at the rear and tie in a marabou tail about one shank length long, adding flash to each side.
Twist peacock herl or Ice Dub into a rope and wrap a slim body forward, stopping short of the front.
Tie in a schlappen or marabou collar and take 2-3 sweeping turns, stroking the fibers back so they'll flow under the mask.
Slide the fish mask on to cover the collar base and lock it with thread and a drop of glue, since the lighter mask keeps this version riding higher than a cone.
Whip finish, cement, then set the stick-on eyes into the mask sockets.