Balsa Swimming Minnow- Smallmouth/bass Fly

[Jason R.]

I enjoy working with balsa. I also like to fish the "wiggle minnow" for smallmouth= so I made a balsa version. Nothing too original- this is a balsa diver- but the shape of the head really gives it some wiggle. Pretty simple to make/tie. Really anxious to try this when the bass get more active. Already stuck some pond bass with it.

[Flysmallie]

I like it.

[Jason R.]

Thats all I needed to know.

[moguy1973]

Any how-to's on how to make something like this? Looks real nice and as I want to try flyfishing for bass in the future it'd be something good to know how to make.

[Jason R.]

I will work one up- if you can make a balsa popper- you can make this. Its more sanding and gluing than tying really.

[Buzz]

That's a good looking bait. This may sound like a stipid question, but, Do you do most of your sanding before you put it on the hook or after?

[Jason R.]

Well I do most of it before but there is definitely some touch up sanding after it is mounted.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Very nice. Care to share the dimensions and angles?

[Jason R.]

Very nice. Care to share the dimensions and angles?

Its on a size 2 8089- Id say the body is around an inch and a half long, the angle on the lip is about 45 degrees give or take. I have made these in several sizes and its hard to mess them up as long as they are kind of curved- like with the belly cut out. That way they stay upright- just like a crankbait. The tail is just a single marabou plume with a little flash and a hen hackle skirt. I'll work up an sbs once i get my tying stuff settled down- we just bought a house so we are in the midst of the horror that is moving.

[moguy1973]

Looks easy to tie if it's similar to a popper, but on this one do you use a small drill bit to get the hook's eye out the front?