The Perfect Indicator Fly

[flyrodman]

I believe the loop in the rear is to help prevent fouling. If you you run the tag, or second fly end of the leader/tippet through the loop it holds it up and in. I'm sure my explanation is clear as mud.

Actually, thats what I needed. I didnt see why a back loop was needed but I too think it would help with the fouling/tangle issue. Thanks!

[3wt]

Thanks for the inputs. I ended up tying a royal trude, bi-visiable, and a stimulator. The stimulator might be the best fly I ever tied, regular or indicator. I'll give them a try and let you know how they worked.

Here are a couple of replies:

3wt:

This really may be the coolest idea for an indicator I've come across yet...I didn't tie the second loop so I wonder if it makes a difference.

I'd say this PMX is pretty impressive...I don't think I'm ready to tie a PMX yet, and I might try a couple of grasshopper flies.

Do you have a link to pictures of how to tie one up...Not yet; I tied them up at work on a break. No cameras allowed.

Flyrodman: Thanks for the post.

Usually I don't bother with an indicator fly because first it tangles and I usually catch more fish on the dropper... I would normally agree, but I've had so many indicators bumped in the broken water at Blue Springs Creek.

I think I get the idea from the video that was posted.

Let us know how they work. My biggest complaint with dropper rigs has been fixed tippet length.

Just one thought, I've heard that putting a twist in the loop when you rig a thingamabobber helps unintentional slipping. May help if that is a problem, but the mono might not have the same problem that thicker plastic of the thingamabobber has.

[flyrodman]

I think I get the idea from the video that was posted.

Let us know how they work. My biggest complaint with dropper rigs has been fixed tippet length.

Just one thought, I've heard that putting a twist in the loop when you rig a thingamabobber helps unintentional slipping. May help if that is a problem, but the mono might not have the same problem that thicker plastic of the thingamabobber has.

They make an improved thingamabobber http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=display&target=HD417 that helps with tippet slipping.

[mic]

I got the chance to try out these indicators this weekend. They worked like a champ (even without the loop in the back). They casted fine and never tangled. I didn't get a fish, but it was hit a couple of times. All in all, it was worth the time to build and will become a staple in the box. I'll have to make some up for the next fly swap. Here are couple of suggestions:

1. Stick with bright colored flies. The stimulator was a little tough to follow in the shadows sometimes.

2. Make the loop just big enough to take the thicker part of the leader. I had to put mine on down at the bottom and work it up. However, it never slipped on me.

[flyrodman]

I got the chance to try out these indicators this weekend. They worked like a champ (even without the loop in the back). They casted fine and never tangled. I didn't get a fish, but it was hit a couple of times. All in all, it was worth the time to build and will become a staple in the box. I'll have to make some up for the next fly swap. Here are couple of suggestions:

1. Stick with bright colored flies. The stimulator was a little tough to follow in the shadows sometimes.

2. Make the loop just big enough to take the thicker part of the leader. I had to put mine on down at the bottom and work it up. However, it never slipped on me.

Sweet thanks for sharing!

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Turck's Tarantula

Hook: Tiemco 5262 or Dai-Riki 710, sizes 4-14

Thread: 3/0 Tan

Tail: Amherst Pheasant tippets

Body: Hare's mask rabbit fur

Wing: White calftail topped with pearlescent Accent or Krystal Flash

Collar: Natural deer hair

Legs: DBL strand of brown rubber, medium

Head: Natural deer hair spun and clipped

Tying Tips

For extra durability cover hook shank with thread

Tail length = hoop gap width

"Spikey" body with lots of guard hairs is best

Wing length extends to tip of tail

IMPORTANT: Collar is tied in separately from head! Imagine tying an Elk Hair Caddis wing onto the top of the fly and you've got it. As with the Elk Hair Caddis wing, don't wrap thread over the butts of the collar hairs.

The rubber legs are tied in at the precise location that the collar is tied in at

The head hair is tied on in two separate clumps. After spinning both clumps, whip finish and trim to shape as shown in photo...flat on bottom, tapering from front to back on top and both sides

Tips for Fishing the Turck Tarantula

While a dead drift still may be the single best presentation method, the Tarantula is often very effective when twitched, skated or stripped under water

The Golden Tarantula is a good fly pattern for imitating stoneflies and grasshoppers

Despite the beliefs of some, the Tarantula can be great in slow glassy water as well as stillwater fisheries like lakes and ponds

The Tarantula is incredibly versatile and has been used to catch, not only all species of trout, but largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, grass carp, perch, seatrout, panfish and even northern pike

Read Tip #1 again

[FlyFishinFool]

There are many indicator fly recipes around. If you do not tie flies, feather-craft sells a fly called (for obvious reasons) "indicator fly" - and yes it will catch fish who hit this fly.

http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=searchadvanced&advancedsearch_words=indicator+fly

You can also make a very simple foam fly out of red/yellow sheet foam from any craft store - they also work well.