Murdich Minnows

[TheCream 0]

I cranked out a few Murdich's last night, these are on Mustad 3366 #2's. This was one of my top bass producers last season, total length on a #2 is around 3.5". My best colors in this pattern last year were white/silver and purple/black, these below are new colors to add this season and try. Anybody looking for bass/crappie, I'd suggest this pattern. It's a very quick, easy, durable, and productive pattern. My versions I sub in sculpin wool for the polar fur collar.

 

 

 

[kelkay 0]

Very nice, I like these a lot!

[tidewaterfly 0]

Great looking flies! I like these a lot too! I've become a big fan of Murdich Minnows!

[TheCream 0]

I don't leave home without them, very versatile pattern. I have a couple more ideas in mind, may post here again in a few days.

[tidewaterfly 0]

Keep um coming, they look great!

[Rocco 0]

Nice ties! Very versatile design too. Can be tied BIG for Pike/Muskies/Stripers and scaled way down for Crappies/smaller trout as stated. The bigger ones can even hide a rattle or two.

 

They prompt savage hits from the local smallmouth.

 

Rocco

[TheCream 0]

What I decided to try with this pattern was alternating/variegating the ice chenille for a barred look. I think on larger versions this would work better, these were my first 2 attempts.

 

 

[tidewaterfly 0]

Those look real good too! I'm not always convinced that the actual colors are all that important, but the contrast they provide may be at times.

 

I've had some success with both of those combinations.

 

Let us know how they work for you!

[robow7 0]

Nice ties! One thing I would add about this fly after much use, is make sure your hook has a WIDE gap to it. That will really improve your hook up to hit ratio significantly since those head materials can get in the way.

[foambug 0]

So need the recipe they look so good

[TheCream 0]

So need the recipe they look so good

 

Here is the recipe I use for them, like I said, the original pattern calls for a different material for the cheeks.

 

-Tail base: bucktail

-Tail flash Part A: flashabou tied over the bucktail

-Tail flash Part B: flashabou or similar product, leave a tag at least 1.5" long extending forward towards eye (this will be folded back over)

-Cheeks: rams wool (what I use, works well)

-Flash collar: extra material from Part B of the tail flash, folded back over the cheeks and tied down

-Body: ice chenille or estaz (add color with paint markers/Sharpies if desired)

-Eyes: 3D dome eyes

 

Hopefully that makes sense, it may sound a little tricky but it's actually real simple to tie. Also a very durable streamer. The worst thing I have had happen so far to them is the eyes getting ripped off. They catch fish with or without them, FWIW.

[Bubba_Da_Man 0]

I wonder how they would look with Fish Skulls instead of the eyes??

[deeky 0]

In considering the Fish Skulls, I think you need to consider the action more than the looks of the fly. Adding the weight of the Fish Skull will change the action of the fly in the water from a suspend and glide to a sink and jig action. It all depends on how you want it to fish. For example, I am converting my Black Sampson and Delilah patterns to conehead patterns. They were originally tied for stillwater fishing. With the prospect of fishing some faster water, I want a fly that will get down deep faster. Hence the conehead.

 

It's that classic debate of form vs. function.

 

Deeky

[airbornemike 0]

I rattle em up usually

[TheCream 0]

In considering the Fish Skulls, I think you need to consider the action more than the looks of the fly. Adding the weight of the Fish Skull will change the action of the fly in the water from a suspend and glide to a sink and jig action. It all depends on how you want it to fish. For example, I am converting my Black Sampson and Delilah patterns to conehead patterns. They were originally tied for stillwater fishing. With the prospect of fishing some faster water, I want a fly that will get down deep faster. Hence the conehead.

 

It's that classic debate of form vs. function.

 

Deeky

 

I have used the Fish Skulls for exactly that reason with exactly that result. It all depends what you want the fly to do in the water. Depending on the conditions and the fish's mood, both can be effective, but 95% of the time I fish and tie them weightless.