Sharkster

Hard to go wrong with an ant. Either dubbing and a hackle or foam and hackle. Lots of different ants are really easy, and the work on your trout and panfish.

What I have is "Silver Pearl" Ultrasuede. I have bought it from Whitetail fly tieing supplies, and also EBAY. I have also seen it at Joann fabrics, but only once. I use it specifically because it doesn't get hard when it dries out after fishing. It's also tough and very flexible so it has great movement. Search "Ultrasuede" and you should get plenty of options. Of course you can substitute with things like chenille and foam, but its worth getting the suede.

I just added a step by step in that section. Check it out if you are interested. Hope it was fairly clear, as It was my first SBS and man did it take some doing. I can't call it work because it was fun, just time consuming. Cheers, I'm going to pour some bourbon.

Lab Rat Recipe Hook: Mustad 37187 (used sz 6), or Tiemco 8089, or similar stinger hook Thread: UTC 210 white, 6/0 light pink Foul Guard: 20lb Hard Mason Tail: Ultra Suede Body: Grey 2mm Craft Foam Underbody: Pearl Sparkle Braid Eyes: Mono Eyes, or 40lb Hard Mason melted and painted Tie In foul Guard and superglue. Cut tail about 2 1/2 times the hook length Tie in tail. and lightly glue again. Cut foam about the width of the whole hook and a about 2 hook lengths. Round the end, this makes a tie in point and also rounds the bottom so the mouse rights itself in the water. Tie in on the back 3rd. Tie in and wrap sparkle braid slightly less than 1/2 way. Don't cut braid, it will continue to next section. Cut another body piece slightly shorter than the first Tie in body piece so it buts up over the braid. tie down and continue the braid as shown. Cut the braid. Leave about 3 hook eyes space for the ears, head, and nose. Fold both pieces forward forming the body and trim off to the end of the braid. Trim the foam to round off the front. again this eases the tie in and more importantly gives the mouse a "rounded" bottom. Tie in trying to keep the collar to a minimum. Bottom view. Cut and Fold over about 1 1/2 inch piece of foam and cut the ears. Using your bodkin add a tiny spot of superglue and pinch, forming the ears. Go easy on the superglue or your fingers will be part of your mouse. Tie in ears and trim the excess foam Glue base of ears to body. Cut the head as shown out of your foam. Tie in head, glue base to ears and body. I pinch the sides of the head to stick it together. Half hitch or whip white thread off, then form nose with the light pink thread. Finally use bodkin to make holes for the eyes. You can use either melted and painted hard mono or mono eyes. trim stem to about 1/8", or cut one side of the mono eyes. Glue eyes in place with a little superglue. I use a thin pink Sharpie to spot the ears. the fish really key in on this detail. (sarcasm) But it looks good to your friends. Finished Lab Rat As I stated in my other post, these can get a rise out of your significant other when strategically placed. (at your own risk of course) Please let me know if something was not clear. This is my first step by step so go easy on me...

Flyonline those are great. Love the one with the big eyes. I've got to agree with Stevester that is a big big rat. But I hear it almost every trip... big fly (or bait, lure, etc...) = big fish. I guess I'm not prepared for things that eat muskrats. I like the idea though.

I was fortunate enough to watch Chris Helm spin a deer hair mouse, and I have that very fly in my collection. Deer hair is most definitely an art. I find it really time consuming. This mouse can be tied in a third of the time or less. And when it gets beat up, I'm ok with throwing it in the bin. Thanks for the compliments, no offense taken either.

I would add a few black and pink egg sucking leeches. But the selection is outstanding. You should have great success with what you have.

Fla fly the body is pearl sparkle braid. Thanks everyone for the kind words. I am proud of this pattern. It took a long time to get right, and wow does it kill around the lily pads. I will work on a step by step. It's really not hard once you get one under your belt. I'm going to tie a few more, and will try and step it out. I've never done one before, but I am willing to give it a go.

Been tying a few mice for the much anticipated thaw. These float like a cork, and always land right. The tail is ultra suede, the belly is sparkle braid, and the body is craft foam. These can also get a rise out of the wife if strategically placed. At your own risk of course.

Flafly .... Thanks for the tip. I have more legs than 5 people need. I guess that number is going to increase...

Forgot to say thanks for the replies!

I believe I purchased these from net craft maybe 15 years ago. They are orange and only about 20" or so are getting stiff. I also seperated about a foot of them years ago and these are hardening slightly as well. They are stored out of the sun. I just cut off the hardened material and the layers underneath seem fine. I was just wondering if I could do something to stop it, because you know its prized high dollar stuff....lol. As far as the silicone stuff, I use it as well, but I tie a lot of bluegill bugs and the round just seems to be what my eye is used to. I'm sure the bluegill know too....(smile)

what do you use to keep your rubber legs from getting stiff, or breaking down. I know sun is the enemy, but beside keeping them out of the sun there has to be a solution. I'm not convinced armor all is a good choice.