when I was using a spinning rod I used to use something like this and it was very effective for smallies when dragged slow on the bottom over rocks
Trying to figure out a good representation to tie one in fly form. I see something new on the orvis site called the gulley ultra craw that looks like this:
I’m new to tying but I am wondering if anyone had a recipe for somthing along these lines. This orvis one looks rather bulky the effect was a jig that swayed freely upright as the claws were pointes up as well…any tips or suggestions appreciated.
Janus
SouthWest Fly Fishing has an article about a jig fly in their current issue.
It’s a bit different, and certainly easier, to tie than the Orvis craw fly you posted.
The ‘cool little trick’ to the one in S/W is the use of a heavy bead on a straight pin that’s tied so that the bead rides in front of the hook eye (the use a 60 degree jig hook).
Basically it’s just some spinnerbait skirt material for a tail, cactus chenille for the body, and a whole spinnerbait skirt pushed up and tied in place behind the bead/eye bend of the hook. They tie in a rattle, as well.
I’ve been using a similar tie (I add a palmered hackle over the chenille and just tie in the rubber legs stuff rather than use a premade skirt-I leave out the rattle) with good success for a few years now. Works just like a regular bass jig, but you can cast it okay and they are quick to tie.
Don’t forget to tie in a weed guard. For the ‘bead’ if you don’t have access to 1/4 to 3/8 inch solid brass beads, the ‘Hematite’ beads sold at craft/bead shops work well (basically iron) as do faceted glass beads (a bit lighter, but still sink well).
