Found a series of 50 variations here. Pre-made dubbing brushes would speed up the process.
hook - Dai Riki 280 #10
underbody - non-tox .025
thread - Danville 6/0 brown
tail - partridge brown
abdomen - small wire gold/hare’s ear dubbing brush
wing case - pheasant tail
thorax - same as abdomen (but a bit thicker)
Part 1
wrap front 1/3 of shank with non-tox; tie in thread, wrap to bend
measure (gap width) a clump of partridge fibers; tie in/trim
tie in wire loop; wax
insert dubbing in loop (keep it sparse so the wire shows thru), twist
wrap forward to 60% mark; tie off/trim
tie in a clump of pt
repeat dubbing loop sequence but with a bit more dubbing
I tied a streamer yesterday called a Sparkling Minnow. It was weighted with a tungsten cone head and a good measure of non-lead wrap on a #8 hook. The exterior material was a new buggy looking material called “EP Brush” by Enrico Puglisi. It is woven on to a fine wire wrap. Only one problem…the damn thing floated. Could not get it down. Whatever this material is, it would apparently be great for dry flies:)
They make those with EP Fibers; polypropylene yarn, just like Congo Hair, Widow’s Web, etc. I use it on dry fly wings because it sheds water, as you found out. I have used that stuff to tie some Puglisi baitfish flies, but only for shallow or just under the surface, not deep water.
I apologize for jumping in on your post, but appreciate your explanation to my problem. Matter of fact, I did eventual get it swimming right under the surface as you indicate. Interesting stuff. Will have to find a better application for it. Thanks
No apologies necessary. Good to hear of your experience with the EP Brushes, even if it turned out not to be quite what you were looking for. All tying materials have their pluses and minuses and it’s great when we can have a discussion about them; we all benefit.
