Leggy Foam Ant (Sz 16)

[Phil Lilley]

Posted by @Brian Shaffer

I started tying this pattern some time ago. To me it is all about the legs.

Bill Skilton makes the legs. Ant / Beetle legs. I use the Reg size in black, brown, or green.

Just yesterday I added the little yellow dot. Make sure to glue the top and bottom to hold the legs.

I use Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails.

Recipe :

Hook - sz 16 TMC 100SPBL

Thread - black or brown or red 8/0

Body - cylinder foam in black or brown to match size of ants

Legs - Skilton's Ant / Beetle legs, Reg size in black, brown or green

Optional yellow dot - yellow foam sliced thin and glued to top

 

 

View full article

 

[trythisonemv]

Those legs look great. I always use hackle but this will be more lifelike. 

[Trevor K]

I'm guessing flies with rubber legs wouldn't be allowed above fall creek. Would these legs be allowed there?

[Trevor K]

I just reread the regulations and maybe I'm mistaken and rubber legs are allowed. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Flysmallie]

They are allowed. 

[Gatorjet]

So soft foam body and rubber legs, legal. But soft plastic body on lead head jig (Trout Magnet, curly tail Roadrunner, Beetle Spin), not legal.

Doesn't really make sense.

[Flysmallie]

A lot of things in life don't make sense but legs made of rubber are hardly curly tails. 

[Phil Lilley]

There's a fine line... they changed the regs to allow for fly tying materials that are made of soft plastics but ultimately it's up to the agent.  I'd say he's going to error on the side of the angler unless it's flagrant. 

[Gatorjet]

Giess they have to set the line somewhere. But I never understood the ban on soft plastic as a part of a hard bait. Maybe it happens, but I have never seen a trout swallow a plastic tailed Road Runner, or Trout Magnet.

I understand live, scented, or soft material as the entirety of the lure.