[Twist]

I was sitting at the bench today, wondering what to tie, and this is what happened.

 Picture_001.jpg (1.9MB)
Number of downloads: 58


This is the first one I have tied like this, Opinions and suggestions welcome!


Thanks-Mark

[tidewaterfly]

Twist, the idea is sound, but it needs lots of work! What you've discovered is called a matuka style streamer. It should have at bare minimum, a pair of hackles along the back. They should be the same size & shape, paired together with the concave sides facing each other.

That trimmed end is ugly too! Although there are no hard rules in fly tying, most experienced tiers would consider that a no no! It detracts from the appearance & ruins some of the action the feathers may have.

Matuka's are fine flies & are used extensively in New Zealand. If I recall correctly, I believe the name "matuka" is a type of bird in NZ, and originally, the flies utilized feathers from it, thus the name. I read somewhere the bird's are protected now, but not positive about that. Matuka flies have become popular in the US & elsewhere but feathers from various sources are used. I tie some and fish them fairly often for bass. They have a nice profile when properly tied.

Here's a link to some matuka flies in the pattern database, that may help you along. You can also do a search for matuka, and you'll see some other patterns listed.
http://www.flytyingforum.com/pattern5680.html

At least you're thinking outside the box, and there's nothing wrong with that!

[j. michael]

I agree with tidewaterfly, the fly isn't a bad start, but you still have a long way to go. In my opinion you need something below the wing, like a bulky chenille or dubbed body, some wound hackle. I do have to say that for that being your first time with the style, not bad. Once you get the style down, the flies work well on smallies and white bass in rivers and streams. I didn't have a lot of success with them on lakes.

[mikey99]

Looks like a great start. I would try adding a bead head to give it some action, and maybe some marabou as well. I usually add a new material to afly or make a new variation, then see how it looks in the water.