"Robb's Little Wiggler"

Robb's Little Wiggler
By Robb Howard "Coach Robb"

I would first like to give a little history on this fly. When I started fly fishing, I enjoyed using the San Juan worm for Bluegills and Crappie (Sac-au-lait for Roger). Maybe it was because I used the wrong ultra chenille or a reflection on my tying ability, but the tag end would fall apart after one or two fish nibbled at it. I tried to create a fly that was more durable and still mimicked a worm or inch worm.

The first generation used a red bead head, straight hook and was almost neutrally buoyant. It worked fine but had very little action.

The second generation used a brass bead head for weight and a bend in the hook to impart some action. To bring the red back in, I put a couple of wraps of red behind the bead. I don't know if it makes a difference, but a little red really seems to provoke strikes.

The current version has a saddle hackle collar to impart motion. I'm pleased with this version and submit it here for your consideration.

Recipe for Robb's Little Wiggler

Hook:

Thread: Ultra thread in fluorescent chartreuse and red.

Bead head: 1/8" brass or tungsten.

Tail: Marabou color to match.

Body: V-rib small or medium clear or color to match.

Collar: Saddle hackle color to match.

Tying Instructions for Robb's Little Wiggler:

1. Place bead on hook and mount on vice. Use needle nose pliers to put bend in the hook behind the eye.

2. Mount thread and completely cover the shank of the hook.

3. Make a very sparse marabou tail. (I prefer it no longer than the hook shank).

4. This may be a bit unusual, but in order to not have a big lump at the butt, I flatten the end of the V-rib with my teeth. This also gives an uneven surface for the thread to grab. I mount this flat side out so that when I turn it on, the rounded side is out.

5. Cover the hook shank with the V-rib leaving a small gap behind the bead head, roughly one V-rib width. Tie off and add a drop of head cement.

6. Tie on the contrasting thread in the gap.

7. Mount the saddle hackle. Stroke back the fibers. Put in two or three turns (I try to keep it sparse).

8. Whip finish.

I also tie this fly in black, red and white. This fly is light enough to drop off the edge of lily pads, weed edges and downed trees. ~ Rob (coach)

For more great flies, check out: Beginning Fly Tying, Intermediate Fly Tying and Advanced Fly Tying.