Cicadas!

[KevinC.]

I will never forget those cicadas back in the late 90s! Wow! They just appeared.....then disappeared. Streets were clutted with them in the gutter, it was amazing.

[MOFishwater]

I bought one of these a few years back at Bass Pro, its basically a jitterbug with a cicada pattern. Been itching to bust it out, can't wait! Not the exact same one, but you get the idea. bring it.

[drath]

What is a good size for a cicada? I tied up a prototype last night. It’s basically tail-less gurgler with silicone legs, wings, and mono eyes. I’m not sure it’s big enough though. It’s on a #8 4XL hook. From the tip of the head to the tip of the tail end of the wings it’s about 1 ½ inches. I’m guessing it should be closer to 2 inches? I’m pretty happy with my first tie. I’m going to change the head shape a little bit and change the leg positioning. I’d be happy to hear any thoughts. Here is a pic. Sorry it’s not very good one; I took it with my phone.

Thanks for lookin'

-D

[Kayser]

What did you make the wings out of for that?

Rob

[drath]

Rob, I’m not really sure what to call the underwing. It’s a very thin closed cell foam. A laptop that was shipped to me was wrapped in that stuff, incased in shipping foam, and put in a box. I put a coat of spray-on polyurethane on each side to stiffen it up just a tad. Sorry I can be more help.

I’d bet a tea bag pouch would make a nice cicada wing.

-D

[jdmidwest]

I can personally attest to the fact that it will be a great year for cicadas. At the farm last week, I was gathering rocks to fill in washouts in the road, under ever rock was several cicada nymphs waiting to emerge. Under one rock was a colony of ring necked snakes.

[drath]

I finished tying my brood last night.

Hook: #8 4XL Streamer

Body: Variegated chenille (orange, olive, brown) and black craft foam

Hind legs: Silicone

Front legs: Hen hackle (the cheap stuff)

Underwing: A closed cell foam that computer monitors/laptops come wrapped in with two coats of spray on poly to stiffen ‘em up. Orange Sharpie for color.

Overwing: Elk hair

Eyes: 40LB monofilament line melted and painted red

I’m not 100% thrilled with my tying consistency but I think I did an OK job for a pattern that I pretty much made up as I went along. Hopefully the fish won't mind. I can't wait to get 'em out on the water.

Thanks for lookin’

-D

[Trout Commander]

They look good to me!

[Nortrad]

I finished tying my brood last night.

Hook: #8 4XL Streamer

Body: Variegated chenille (orange, olive, brown) and black craft foam

Hind legs: Silicone

Front legs: Hen hackle (the cheap stuff)

Underwing: A closed cell foam that computer monitors/laptops come wrapped in with two coats of spray on poly to stiffen ‘em up. Orange Sharpie for color.

Overwing: Elk hair

Eyes: 40LB monofilament line melted and painted red

I’m not 100% thrilled with my tying consistency but I think I did an OK job for a pattern that I pretty much made up as I went along. Hopefully the fish won't mind. I can't wait to get 'em out on the water.

Thanks for lookin’

-D

Thanks for tying ideas. Did a lot of foam tying last Spring. Interesting material for the wings. Hopefully we'll get some days on the water when these bugs arrive.

[Nortrad]

Not one of the Brood XIX, from last year, sitting on the porch one morning. Gives you an idea on proportion, wings, legs, eyes.