FlaFly 0 Report post Posted April 17, 2014 A scud is a crustacean, order isopoda (not an insect). Some are terrestrial (sowbugs for example), but most are aquatic. There are many species. I used to use what we call sand fleas (also crustaceans) to catch redfish. I'd store them in a jar in the freezer. When I'd open the jar, it would smell just like king crab! I bet they taste that way to the fish. Look scuds (isopods) up in Google images, and you'll see just how realistic yours looks. I'd like a dozen to feed my bluegills! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kentuckytroutbum 0 Report post Posted April 17, 2014 Saltwater Flashaboo (1/8" wide) makes great scuds and wing cases for nymphs. Its available is a wide range of colors. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnP 0 Report post Posted April 17, 2014 Fish don't read books (or Internet message boards), so of course your flies will catch fish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SilverCreek 0 Report post Posted April 20, 2014 Fish don't read books (or Internet message boards), so of course your flies will catch fish. That is really not the question that was asked. This is what he asked, "After i tyed all my scuds i decided to take a look at some scuds on the internet and noticed a difference between my flys and the ones there. All the scuds that i saw used clear back material, with not pattern or dots on the back. While mine do have dots, Is this bad?? Will the fish really care??? When you look at an actual scud they have not patterns or dots on there backs,will the fish be able to pick this out and possibly turn it down?? Or am i making a big fuss about nothing." If you subscribe to the proposition that the closer the fly matches the real item, the more fish you will catch; then the best way to tie the fly is to use the shellback material without the spots. I happen to believe that when the fish are feeding selectively to scuds, the flies ties with translucent material will catch more fish. If the fish are feeding opportunistically, it probably won't make much difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlaFly 0 Report post Posted April 20, 2014 Silver is right... but now that they're tied, I'd just give them a try and let the fish decide. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnP 0 Report post Posted April 20, 2014 Fish don't read books (or Internet message boards), so of course your flies will catch fish. That is really not the question that was asked. This is what he asked, "After i tyed all my scuds i decided to take a look at some scuds on the internet and noticed a difference between my flys and the ones there. All the scuds that i saw used clear back material, with not pattern or dots on the back. While mine do have dots, Is this bad?? Will the fish really care??? When you look at an actual scud they have not patterns or dots on there backs,will the fish be able to pick this out and possibly turn it down?? Or am i making a big fuss about nothing." If you subscribe to the proposition that the closer the fly matches the real item, the more fish you will catch; then the best way to tie the fly is to use the shellback material without the spots. I happen to believe that when the fish are feeding selectively to scuds, the flies ties with translucent material will catch more fish. If the fish are feeding opportunistically, it probably won't make much difference. OP: "Will the fish really care?" My answer, (implicit in my comment above,) no, not most of the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
#1 Troutfisherman 0 Report post Posted April 21, 2014 I've never seen scuds that look like that or tied with that material but fish it and see how it works. I use Sew-Ology elastic from a hobby store. It is clear elastic that is in the elastic section of the sewing departments. It is used in swim wear and underwear and is sometimes called clear swim wear or bathing suit elastic. Other companies make a similar material such as the Dritz brand that I bought at Joanne's. The Sew-Ology brand is thinner and better IMHO. I bought both to examine them. Here are photos of the 1/4" and 1/8 " clear Hareline Scudback. It is identical to Sew-Ology Clear Elastic that I bought in the sewing section of Hobby Lobby. See the photo of the package and the material below. Sew-Ology and Dritz brands of clear elastic Sew-Ology elastic 3/8" outside the package. You can color it with a marker to get the shade you want. Thanks Silver Creek for the good info …..will have to go out and get some. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bighornbuster 0 Report post Posted April 27, 2014 I suspect those scuds will work just fine. You obviously have the technique down. You might want to try some holographic tinsel, krystal flash or flashabou for the back. Usually where scuds occur, they are there in abundance. I think it helps if your fly stands out from the crown, so to speak. I personally prefer about five strands of rainbow krystal flash. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZWoolybugger 0 Report post Posted May 1, 2014 Ask the Google about Mobilon or Lastin, used in diapers and clothing. http://www.diapersewingsupplies.com/products/Lastin-Clear-Elastic-1/4-Inch.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites