1. Thread base: Tie a solid thread base.
This will help hold the weight/rattle in place.
2. Eyes: Tie in mono eyes at the bend. Use a
figure eight wrap to secure them; a drop of glue
too if you want.
3. Weight: Coat thread base with super glue or
flexament. If using lead-free wire, cut a piece
2x shank length. Fold it, forming a "stack" of
three rods. If less weight is desired, make it
1.5x shank length and fold it in half. Tie folded
weight or rattle in while glue is still wet. Glue
threads. Allow glue to dry somewhat before
continuing.
4. Antennae: Cut one piece of horse hair (my preference)
or peacock herl about 3x shank length and fold it in
half. Tie it in so that the ends extend about a
shank length beyond and below the eyes. Tying
around the weight will make it more secure.
5. Claws: Cut a small clump of deer body hair
(about a small pinch) and remove the more obvious
fuzz. It is not necessary (or desirable) to stack
the hair. The clump will form a nice claw shape
if not stacked. Tie in the hair on top of the
shank, to one side. Wrap the hair a few times
to minimize the flare. Trim excess from butts;
this will allow the fly to sink better. Repeat
for other claw. There is some evidence that
smallmouth bass prefer smaller claws on their
lunch. Also, symmetry doesn't matter to the fish,
but it may help keep the fly from spinning in
the air.
6. Shellback (optional): The shellback should
be just under one shank length, about ¼ inch wide,
and tapered at one end. Attach the tapered end
below the claws, just behind the eyes. It is
probably easier to pierce the shellback and
slide it over the hook point and up to the body.
It will angle out to the front or back - that's
OK, we'll move it later when we pull it down.
I like to use a drop of super glue to help
secure it.
7. Tie in the rib. Tie in the body material
or a dubbing loop. Wind the thread forward to
one eye width behind the eye.
Wind the body material in a figure eight around
the claws. Try to separate and angle them down.
Wind the body toward the hook eye, tapering it
back. Secure with a couple wraps. I usually
put a half hitch here. Trim excess. Pull the
shellback over the body, lining it up along the
shank. It is secured with the rib.
8. Rib: Counterwind the rib forward and secure.
Whip finish & cement.
