Squidley-Do-Right (Squid Tube Fly Pattern)

Psssst.. I have a secret fly pattern here- the Squidley-Do-Right.  Unlike Squidley's cartoon character cousin Dudley, who always succeeded with pure luck on his side, this pattern has "eat me" written all over it!  Rest assured, if there's fish around, Squidley will "do right."

A myriad of materials can be used to tie this pattern, but what I truly like about tying the Squidley is it's simplicity.  It is one of the few patterns that I tie incorporating chenille; which, speeds up the tying.  Adding glow in the dark materials for night fishing has been deadly, as well as, replacing arctic fox (original material) for the tail and collar with australian sheep has proven to be more effective. Regardless of the materials you choose, this is a killer blackmouth, coho, and searun cutthroat fly!

Materials

Tube:  Pro Tube System Mircotube and hookguide
Thread:  White UTC 70 denier
Tail (The squid's head):  White australian sheep spun in a dubbing loop.  Marabou, rabbit, or any soft underfur is acceptable.
Tentacles:  A few strands of pearl Baitfish Emulator tied over the top of the tail.
Body (Mantle):  Medium white trilobal chenille.
Eyes:  Pearl 3.5 3-D eyes super glued to body.
Collar (Stabilizer fins):  White australian sheep spun in a dubbing loop. Marabou, rabbit, or any soft underfur is acceptable.
Cone:  Spirit River Nickel

Step 1:

Place tube with hook guide on needle or mandrel.  Start thread near the junction.  Form a dubbing and spin australian sheep.  The length of the fibers should extend slightly past the hook guide.  Take two to three full turns of sheep with the first turn butted against the junction.  This will flare the hair.  Sparse is key...

Step 2:

Tie in 6 to 10 Baitfish Emulator fibers over the top of the tail.  Length is approximately two tail lengths.

Step 3:

Tie in chenille and wrap forward with approximately 10-turns.  Leave plenty of room behind the end of the tube.

Step 4:

The eyes can be tricky, but here's how I complete this step.  Using a bodkin, lift and turn over eye from wax paper.  Hopefully, the bodkin's tip is still adhered to the eye.  Place a small drop of Zap-A-Gap on back the of the eye.  Lift and place eye into desired position.  Slowly remove bodkin then press firmly with the half hitch end of the bodkin.  Repeat for the far side of the tube,

If desired, the fly could be finished at this step.

Step 5:

Form a dubbing loop and spin sheep hair taking three or four turns (sparse).  Whip finish and cut thread.

Step 6:

Place a drop of Zap-A-Gap over the thread and slide modified Spirit River cone over the tube.  Press firmly over the collar. You can refer to the Simple Baitfish Tube for modified cones here

Step 7:

Remove tube from needle or mandrel.  Take a razor blade and remove all but 1/16 of an inch.  Use a lighter and apply the blue flame portion to the tube.  This will roll back or flare the tube which locks the cone on to the tube.

Enjoy!