Sunday, June 9, 2013

Al's Foam Hopper

Well I guess I have ignored this blog for way too long. Time to get back to tying a few flies.

Well bluegill season is in full swing here in Michigan. I love fishing for these little buggers. They readily take just about anything you put in front of them and boy do they put up a great fight for such a little fish. Besides that they sure do taste great.  For me there is nothing better than pan fried bluegills with home made French fries and a side of cole slaw.  So simple and oh so delicious!  I'm drooling must thinking about it. Think I will have to go out and catch me a bucket load for dinner. Guess I should tie up a few flies to get the job done.

Back in 1999 www.flyanglersonline.com published an article by Al Campbell about foam panfish flies. Both flies in the article have worked well for me when fishing for bluegills. Tonight I figured I would tie up some of his Foam Hoppers. Not only does this pattern work for panfish but it has also worked well for me when fishing for trout during the hot summer months.

 
Al's Foam Hopper
 
 
 
Al's Foam Hopper
 
Hook - Mustad 9671 #4-14
Wing - Elk Hair Tied The Same As Stimulator Wing 
Under Body - Yellow Yarn
 
Step One
 
Start Thread
 
Step Two
 
Tie in a Quarter Inch Wide Strip of Foam Covering 3/4 of the Hook Shank
 
Step Three
 
Tie in Copper Wire
 
Step Four
 
Tie in Yellow Yarn
 
Step Five
 
Wrap Yarn Forward
 
Step Six
 
Pull Foam Forward Over the Hook and Tie Off at Starting Point. Make Sure the Foam Extends Over The Hook Bend
 
Step Seven
 
Wrap Copper Wire Forward in Even Wraps
 
Step Eight
 
Tie in Elk Hair Wing
 
Step Nine
 
Pull Foam Back and Tie Off. Trim Foam to Form a Small Tag
 
Step Ten
 
Tie in Rubber Legs on Both Sides of Hook
 
Step Eleven
 
 
Trim Legs and Whip Finish
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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