Trying to do a couple of the RAT flies. Here is a black rat. I think I got this one pretty well. My only criticisms would be my crest, which is not of good quality (but you should blame the tyer not the material) and I had a real tough time manipulating it. Other than that I just need to put a coat of varnish on and put on some black laquer. Also, I brushed and picked out this (matte and coarse) dubbing. I Stroked it back too. I feel that it gives the fly a “sexier” look to it. What do you think? Critiques, comments, criticisms?
Looks good to me, even the crest. If I was to nit-pick, I’d say clean up the head a bit before varnishing, but it’s a good, clean tie. I like the dubbing. I usually either pick it out and sweep it back, or use a dubbing loop and sweep the dubbing fibers back. Nicely done fly.
Thanks everyone. The wing is grey squirrel tail. When I say varnish, I mean a coat of head cement, then black laquer, then sally hansens. The head will get bigger and will have a nice shiny, smooth appereance when complete. I will have to take a picture when it’s done.
