JAB's Glitter Midge

I was doing a little experimenting with the camera's macro feature and software package this afternoon...  I figured out how to blow up pictures for more detail!  As a result, I decided to tie some smaller midge patterns and share the results.  Let's a take look at a pattern that is not only simple, quick, and fun to tie, but bomb-proof, sink quickly, and pretty darn deadly. 

My original JAB's Glitter Midge utilized epoxy for the coating however, since various ultra violet light reactive resins have hit the scene I have strictly utilized them- mainly Clear Cure Goo due to it's very clear finish.  These resins save a tremendous amont of time at the bench; which, equates to more time on the water or for preparations for the extended trip.

Materials:

Hook: Daiichi 1260 (size 12-16)
Thread: 8/0 for sizes 12 and 14, 12/0 for size 16 (Color of choice)
Body: Thread covered with Clear Cure Goo in two steps. Fine Glitter.
Throax:  Thread covered with Clear Cure Goo in two steps
Gills: (Optional) Oral-B dental floss.  I will be tying a larva pattern- no gills.

Step 1: 

Wind thread rearward to a point just above the hook barb and return to a spot approximately two eye lengths behind the eye.

Step 2:

Build up a thread thorax area as pictured.

Whip finish and cut thread.

Step 3:

Apply a very thin coating of Clear Cure Goo over thread body and thorax.  Sprinkle a small amount or fine red or pearl glitter over resin.  Cure resin with ultra violet light.

Step 4:

Apply a second coating of Clear Cure Goo and cure.  The finish after curing will be somewhat tacky.  Apply a very thin coating of Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails polish over the resin to correct this.

Perhaps the first thing you'll notice about this fly is the uneven coating.  You don't need to be absolutely perfect.  In fact, you'll find that an irregular coating produces more fish.  I surmise it has to do with light reflection like the naturals.

These glitter patterns can be tied in a wide array of colors, but I keep my selection simple: black, olive and red.  I would also recommend trying various colors of glitter. 

Enjoy!

JAB's Frostbite Midge

I know first hand there are plenty of hardcore anglers that fish our year-around lakes, and many are thinking isn't it a little too late to post midge patterns, but with the lowland lake season opener fast approaching I felt this would be a good time to introduce a few midge patterns to the blog.  Just like the old saying, "There's never a bad time to fish a midge," I guess there never a bad time to post a pattern...  especially if a beginner is reading and learning to tie.  With that out of the way, I'll concentrate on tying some midge patterns over the course of the month.

  

The Frostbite Midge has been my staple for many years.  Tied in the more earthy colors wound over silver tinsel this midge pattern is deadly.  In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to fish tie and fish pink, purple, blue, or chartreuse either. 

For those tiers wondering about patterns for the streams, you can simply scale these patterns to smaller hooks and expect the same results. 

Materials:

Hook:  Daiichi 1260 Size 8-16 (Pictured is sie 14) and 5/32 white brass bead
Thread: 8/0 red or black
Rib: 6/0 white thread
Underbody: Silver Flashabou
Body: Bright red Frostbite
Thorax: 70/30 mixture of red and black Halo dubbing (very fine Antron)

Step 1:

Secure hook in vise.  Start thread immediately behind the bead and build a hump.  Push hump inside the bead.



Step 2:

Tie in silver Flashabou and white 6/0 thread.

Step 3:

Wrap Flashabou back past the barb and return.  The Flashabou will provide a brilliant glow through the transparent Frostbite.

Step 4:

Tie in Frostbite.  Wind back to the end of the silver Flashabou and return to thorax area.

Step 5:

Wrap ribbing forward.




Step 6:

Coat the body with Sally Hansen Hard as Nail polish, epoxy, or Clear Cure Goo.

Step 7:

Dub small thorax.  Whip finish.  Completed!

Midges are simple, fun to tie, and you can complete a lot of them in a short period of time.  Fill up those boxes with various sizes and colors: black, red, brown, olive, cream, and tan. 

If you bring a little patience to the lake you will certainly be rewarding!

Enjoy!

The Devil's Advocate (Leech Pattern)

The Devil's Advocate receive it's indoctrination in a place most people wouldn't believe if they saw the event take place themselves.  After a very fishless morning in 25-degree weather using every traditional pattern known to catch fish in these renowned waters, I decided to try something a little off the wall.  I have had great days using Wooly Buggers at this location, especially in white, but this leech pattern was a little odd yet decided to give it a shot.  What did I have to lose?

I originally designed the Devil's Advocate for the stunted largemouth bass in the lake I once lived on for the coming spring.  Sure enough... the Rocky Ford fish attacked the Devil's Advocate with vengence.  The rest is, as the old saying goes... history!

Materials:

Hook:  Daiichi 1260 (pictured size 6)
Thread: 6/0 Black (or color of tail/collar)
Tail:  Rabbit strip
Collar:  Rabbit spun in a dubing loop
Body: Thread built up in a taper and covered with epoxy, Clear Cure Goo, or Liquid Fusion.
(Glitter may be added.) I have sprinkled red glitter over a thin coat of Clear Cure Goo, cured the first coat, and then applied a second clear coat.

Step 1:

Place hook in vise.  Start thread approximately two eye lengths behind eye.  This will help build a smooth transition in the taper.

Step 2:

Tie in rabbit strip.  The length of strip is determined by the hook shank.  The hide portion of the strip should equal the hook shank. 

Step 3:

Make a dubbing loop and wax thread.  Apply hair in loop and spin.  Hairs should protrude at 90-degree angles from the thread.  Trapped fibers should be picked out with your bodkin.  Length of collar is a personal choice, but I prefer a distance of half a tail length.  This will add a beautiful action to the fly.

Step 4: 

Wrap a collar to hide the tail's thread hump.  Two or three turns should be sufficient.

Step 5: 

Build a thread taper over the hook shank.

Step 6: 

Apply a coating over the thread taper and allow to dry/cure.   I have elected to use a very thin coating Clear Cure Goo sprinkled with red glitter before curing.  Once an even coating of Clear Cure Goo and glitters has been applied, I cured the coating with an UV light. 

Apply a second, clear coat- no glitter and cure.  Finished!

The Devil's Advocate can be tied in numerous colors.  The standard black, purple, olive, and red colors are deadly for lake fishing!  Another note to mention is the utilization of different size rabbit strips- not only in length, but magnum or mirco widths according to species targeted and hook size. 

Have fun with this pattern.  It can be deadly!

Enjoy!