SALTWATER CHRONICLES FLY FISHING ADVENTURES IN SALTWATER (part 16)
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| Part 15 can be found here |
MM Black Nose Dace
- Hook: Mustad 3407 Sizes: 1/0-6
- Thread: Black 6/0
- Wing/Body: White EP Fibers with six strands of Silver Flash-A-Bou on top, followed by a thin bunch of Black EP Fibers, topped with Brown EP 3D Fibers.
- Belly: White EP Fibers, with red slashes either side of the belly in the area of the throat, made with a Red Sharpie marker
- Eyes: Dumb-bell Eyes Yellow with black centers—Optional for a deep running imitations, or 3D eyes Yellow with black centers and the head is epoxy coated regardless of which type of eyes are used.
The MM stands for modified and modern I use this designation which I using traditional pattern where next materials and different construction methods are being used. The original pattern was developed by Art Flick.
MM Black Nose Dace Deep Variation
MM Mickey Finn
- Hook: Mustad 3407 Sizes: 1/0-6
- Thread: Black 6/0
- Wing/Body: Yellow EP Fibers with six to eight strands of Silver Flash-A-Bou, with a thin bunch of Red EP Fibers and topped off with Yellow EP Fibers
- Belly: Yellow EP Fibers
- Eyes: 3D Yellow with black centers applied with 5 minute Epoxy
- Head: Black Thread, Epoxy coated
Dumb-bell eyes can be used on this pattern for deep running imitations. The original Mickey Finn was designed by John Alden Knight during the 1930's and the original pattern was a bucktail.
Many small poppers are very effective on Bluegills and Sunfish.
Yellow Foam Bluegill Spider
- Hook: Tiemco 100 Sizes: 8-12
- Thread: Yellow 6/0
- Underbody: Yellow Thread
- Body: Yellow Foam Body
- Legs: Four small Rubber Legs per side, barred with a Sharpie
- Antennae: Two strands of Yellow Krystal Flash
Note: I have caught more bluegill on this pattern than I can count and though I do tie this in black and chartreuse but the yellow is my favorite color and it is a pattern that I am never without. Oh by the way I have even used it on trout and it works.
Clouser Minnows come in many different styles and color combinations
Clouser Minnows
If you are serious about fly fishing and you like to catch any species of fish on flies then you need to have a reasonable selection of Clouser Minnows in your fly box. The Clouser's Minnow was developed by Bob Clouser and over the years both Bob and his minnows have become legendary, his patterns have worked on trout, smallmouth, various species of saltwater fish, steelhead, and just about everything that swims in the water. Clouser's Minnows are tied with Bucktail, Fox Tail fibers, Super Hair, EP Fibers, Marabou, Rabbit Strips, Craft Fur and a whole host of other material both natural and synthetics.
For a better understanding of Clouser Minnows and the method developed to fish them. Then I strongly recommend studying the two volumes published by Bob Clouser, the first is Clouser's Flies published in 2006 and Fly-Fishing for Smallmouth published in 2007.
Both of these books are filled with patterns and great insightful information on how to fish these patterns and many other types of flies.
Now I will list a few of my favorite Clouser Minnow patterns. The patterns I have selected have always worked well for me however I won't be surprised if you have a few of your own favorites!
Chartreuse & White Clouser Minnow
- Hook: Dai-Riki 810 Sizes: 2/0-6
- Thread: White 6/0
- Eyes: Dumb-bell, Yellow with Black centers
- Belly: White Bucktail
- Wing: White Bucktail with 6 strands Silver Krystal Flash and 3 strands of Pearl Krystal Flash with two Strands of Black Krystal Flash
Olive & White Clouser Minnow
- Hook: Dai-Riki 810 Sizes: 2/0-6
- Thread: White
- Eyes: Dumb-bell, Yellow with Black centers
- Belly: White Bucktail
- Wing: Olive Bucktail with Olive 6 strands, Pearl 2 strands and Black 2 strands of Krystal Flash
White Clouser Minnow
- Hook: Dai-Riki 810 Sizes: 2/0-6
- Thread: White 6/0
- Eyes: Dumb-bell, Red with Black center
- Belly: White Bucktail
- Wing: 6 Strands of Silver Krystal Flash, White Bucktail
Black Clouser Minnow
- Hook: Dai-Riki 810 Sizes: 2/0-6
- Thread: Black 6/0
- Eyes: Dumb-bell, Red with Black center
- Belly: Black Bucktail
- Wing: 3 strands of Silver Flash-A-Bou and 3 strands of Pearl Flash-A-Bou and Black Bucktail
There are many patterns which I could add to this section and there are many patterns which are effective on warm water species but I think these will get you started on the right road towards building an effective selection of warm water flies.
Furthermore don't be afraid to try something new or different with your Clouser's.
Black Clouser Minnow with a Magic Cone Head
There are always new variations to try in an effort to improve the performance of a proven pattern. Just remember to credit the original designer of the pattern.
BLACK CLOUSER MINNOW WITH A FLY LIPP
The willingness to experiment with fly patterns for me is all about improving a pattern as it relates to a particular situation I have encountered on the water or something that I have observed.
I will also admit that I play with new fly patterns at the tying vise because it is fun and that is what I enjoy about this wonderful sport.
All of the patterns listed in the Saltwater Chronicles #13 dealing with largemouth bass will work on peacock bass. Also prince nymphs, San Juan worms, hare's ear nymph and many others will work on the bluegills, sunfish and black crappie. I hope this encourage you to leave the saltwater for a day or two and catch the fresh water fish of Florida or wherever.
Enjoy & Good Fishin'
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| Part 17 can be found here |