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McFlyLures

All Synthetic Foam Beetle

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Foam beetles have been around for ages, and there really isn't anything new here. In fact I am sure many people have used ice dubbing before instead of peacock hurl. However I have tied them this way for a long time and really like them like this. So I thought I would show you the way I do them.

As stated in the video, I really like using the ice dubbing because it will give the fly a more buggy look, almost looking like little legs under it, and it gives more flash, and is generally in my experience more durable. Its a win win on all fronts. Also I find dubbing this on to be quicker than wrapping peacock hurl up the hook evenly.
These flies can be tied in a number of sizes, and I have tied them down to even size 16, and all the way up to size 6. Generally with a size 6 or larger, I like to go with a thicker foam, like a size 6mm vs the 2mm I am using here. Or double up the 2mm, which is nice because you have the ability to go 2 tone with the doubled up version. But no mater what size you tie these in, they tend to be very deadly, especially in the late summer when there are lots of terrestrials out. But any time you see beetles flying around, this is a good fly to have tied on your line.
As always I am including a list of the materials I used on this fly.
Hook: #14 Daiichi 1280
Thread: Black Veevus 6/0
Dubbing: Peacock Ice Dub
Wing and hotspot: black and white 2mm fly foam
Cement: Brush on Zap a Gap

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Thank you Dave! :). Finally someone commented on one of my videos way down in the FTF videos section. AHAH. This page never gets visited. Thanks for commenting.

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This page never gets visited. Thanks for commenting.

I usually look, I guess should comment more. but you said "there really isn't anything new here." I did find it interesting that you filled under the foam at all, my beetles just get the foam wrapped to the rear and folded to the front over the rubber legs and tied down, I never thought of building a body with dubbing or peacock or...I bet that chunk of white makes it easier to see also.

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How do you fish these in still water? Do you pop them like a popper? Slide them across the surface? Let them still?

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How do you fish these in still water? Do you pop them like a popper? Slide them across the surface? Let them still?

Yes, to all three. I'm not fishing trout ... but if you've ever seen a terrestrial beetle stuck in the water, THEY all act the same way.

If they're "newly" trapped, they tend to skitter across the top trying to fly. Then they run out of energy, and sit still for several seconds or minutes. (The longer you can stand to leave it, the better). Then, they struggle, not moving much, but putting out rings. This is the hardest part to mimic. Keep the bug in place as much as possible, while making it put out vibration waves.

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What Mike said, I'll add that I get better response if I slam the beetle into the water on the presentation, making a splash ring. Trout seem to take immediately or ignore it, while it might set for eternity before a sun fish smashes it.

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Hey guys I wasnt trying to come down on this section, I hope I didnt offend anyone. Just lets be honest there arent as much visitors to here as there are in the fly tying bench section of the forum. Thats all. Lol.

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I agree with mike on how to fish these. And when fishing near rivers its similar as well. You can really fish these any way. And also slamming them on the water is another good idea. These arent mayflies or midges, beetles have weight to them and when they fall they tend to make a bit of a splash so to speak. I find the easy way to have them make wings while staying In place is wiggle the tip of my rod.

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