Hogan's Red Headed Step Child

It's been awhile since I've done just a photo tying segment, so I thought I'd share another one.  Hogan Brown's Red Headed Step Child is a pattern I recently started tying and let's just say the first drift I made with it got a fish.  Not designed to really resemble anything, this fly is a great attractor pattern and works simply on the premise that it is different.  It's a good pattern to tie on when the ol' PT isn't getting the job done.  I prefer the smaller ones (#16's/#18's) and think if you add only a few to your box those sizes are the ticket.  Anyway, here it goes!

Materials:
Hook:  TMC 3769 (Size of choice, the one in the example is an #18)
Thread:  8/0 Brown
Head:  Czech Glass Bead (11/0  Red Seed bead Silver Lined)  (These can be found at craft stores for super cheap and in high quantities)
Tail:  4/5 PT fibers
Rib:  Red Wire, Small
Thorax:  Peacock Herl
Wing Case:  Pearlescent Flat Tinsel
Legs:  Red Krystal Flash
Finish:  Clear Cure Goo Hydro

1.  Insert hook w/ bead into the vise and tie in the PT fibers.  The fibers should extend about 1/2 shank length.



2.  Tie in the wire rib on the far side of the hook.



3.  Advance the wire rib forward.  On a #18, 3 wraps is sufficient to maintain the right proportion.


4.  Tie in the pearl tinsel directly on top of the shank.


5.  Tie in the peacock herl and wrap forward to create the thorax.  (One bushy herl is enough for a #18)


6.  Using the figure 8 method, tie in two strands of krystal flash.  (With a smaller fly, try and minimize thread wraps from here on out in order to not crowd the head)


7.  Pull over the pearl tinsel, tie it off, and whip finish.


8.  Trim off the pearl tinsel and krystal flash legs.  And you're done!  (The legs should extend just about to the beginning of the hook bend)


This is a great little pattern and I've started to incorporate some things from it to other patterns.  I'm hoping to share a few of those tweaks in the near future!

Stay fly,

T

2013 Thus Far

So far the new year hasn't rung in too many good days on the water.  Utilizing the catalog of information in my brain on certain spots hasn't worked that well this year.  I'm choosing to blame it on the usual suspects (i.e. flows, weather, conditions, lack of skills, etc.).  Anyway, that leads me to my next point.  When conditions are tough, its a great time to scope out other areas and build upon that catalog of information.  Despite the fact I personally haven't had any truly great days on the water yet, I can say that I have fished a lot of different water.  This includes places where I have never been before or have only fished once prior.  That's also the beauty of the sport.  Having a great day but not catching a single fish is still very enjoyable if it's spent on great water with good friends.  Exploration and the search will always keep me thirsty.  Here are some photos from the beginning of the year.

When things are slow, its also a great time to hit the vice.  Whether it be new patterns to try or just restocking, time at the vice can be enjoyable.   

Daniel and I have been working on some more tying videos as well.  In case you haven't seen the latest two, here they are:
The CCG Egg


The Dead Drift Crayfish


We're working on some killer bass stuff and should have a new one out there just in time for topwater season!  Stay tuned...

As always.....get out there and explore!

Stay fly, 

T