Here's how to tie it, with materials listed in order
of application:
Hook: I tie this popper in three sizes: 4, 8,
and 12. I use a Mustad 3366 wet fly hook for the size
4 and standard dry fly hooks for sizes 8 and 12.
Tail: Use your favorite material. Here are some
examples using (from L to R) squirrel tail, calf tail,
woodchuck fur, and Widows Web.
Tail and Underbody: My favorite tails are made
using a hank of Widows Web. Zelon, Poly-yarn, Antron,
and other synthetics will work fine, too. Tie in the
tail and wrap the hank forward as shown in the pictures
below. Cut off the excess and return the thread to the
back of the hook as shown.
Foam Underbody: Use a pair of straight scissors
to cut off a 5/16" wide strip from a thin (2mm) sheet
of "Fun Foam", which is readily available in craft shops
or stores like WalMart. (I use a slightly wider strip
for a size 4 and a slightly narrower strip for a size 12.)
Attach the foam underbody to the shank in three places.
I spread a bit of head cement or similar product on the
underside of the foam. Use 15-20 wraps at the first
tie-in point.
Legs: Lift the foam and wrap the thread to the
midpoint. This is the second tie-in point. Tie down
the foam with 25-30 wraps, to build a base for the
legs. Tie on a pair of rubber legs, one on each
side, with 10-15 thread wraps.
Lower Lip: Wrap the thread forward to the third
tie-in point. Tie down the foam with 15-20 wraps,
forming a lower lip just ahead of the wraps.
Back: Pull the foam forward over the foam underbody.
Tie down the foam with 10-15 wraps over the third tie-in
point, forming the upper lip of the popper. Trim the
upper lip to be a little longer than the lower lip
and use scissors to trim the corners of the lip.
Final Wraps: I finish the tying by bringing
the thread under the body and forward to behind the
eye. Finish off with a few half hitches behind
the eye.
Finishing Touches: Turn the popper over and
coat the thread wraps with head cement. The foam
will get battered after a few dozen fish, but the
Gurgle-Pop will stay together. ~ Peter
You can contact Peter through his personal web site
www.fishingwithflies.com.
