JAX Roughy
Note: The step by step directions were written by Jack Murray. The recipe calls for a Kamasan B160 hook. Kamasan hooks are hard to come by in the USA. I was able to take the fly to my local fly shop and match it up with a Daiichi 1510 size #14. This is a 3X-short hook (Glo-bug hook) and a little thicker than most of the hooks Americans typically use for dry flies. Keeping in mind that this pattern originated in New Zealand and the average New Zealand trout is over 5 pounds this is a very practical hook for the application. Pay particular attention to step #9. Tying instructions
- Hook shank with thread from the eye to start of bend. Spiral the thread back to 5mmfrom the eye. Secure with a half hitch. Allow bobbin holder to hang.
- Cut a pinch of Calf Tail long enough to allow for both wings and tail when laid along the length of the hook shank. [I allow extra length for trimming to size of both wing and tail]
- Catch the Calf Tail in at the point 3mm from the eye where the thread was left hanging and secure. Work the thread back toward the bend to a point over the barb. Half hitch then work the thread back to the wing position in close tight turns of thread and POST the wing material Upright.
- Once the wing has been posted split it into two equal sections and using figure eight turns. Tie the wings into the Spent Position. Take two turns of thread round the base of each wing to stop the wings Fluffing Up.
- Catch and tie the hackle in behind the wings Butt first allowing for two turns of hackle. Allow the butt end to extend through between the wings, and tie it down in front of the wings and clip the excess.
- Wrap the Hackle forward toward the eye with two turns behind the wings and Two/Three turns in front of the wings. Tie off and trim surplus hackle and thread.
- Clip wings and tail if necessary to get a balanced effect. [I know using scissors is frowned upon, but in my experience with the way the fly performs. The Trout don’t seem to mind, and long wings make the fly spin]
- Apply head cement and pass an old hackle feather through the eye to clear any excess.
- GO FISH.