Vertical Worm
Note: Weight the front of the fly with lead eyes. Adjust the size of the foam ball and the weight of the lead eyes so the fly will stand vertically in the water. Proper selection wil allow the fly to eithr hang at the surface or be bounced along the bottom. Background: The Vertical Worm was a by-product of my work with furled leaders. It is what I call a concept fly in that the concept can be adapted to many other patterns and flies. I have had success with a bonefish version tied using tan craft fur. With the Bonefish Worm the only hook is at the head as the fish tend to inhale the entire fly.
Designed to suspend vertically in the water, it can be tied to hang at the surface or stand vertically on the bottom. A foam ball in netting is tied to a short shank rear hook and colored with a felt pen.. Hackle is is wrapped parachute style around the base of the foam ball. The body is premade by tying a 19 inch length of Kevlar or other strong thread into a loop. Wax the thread well and evenly dub synthetic seal or angora into the loop. Spin the loop tightly, then pick out any over size lumps. Now, while keeping everything in tension, catch the center of the loop with the spinning whorl and spin in the opposite direction letting the two legs gradually join. This is the same principle used in making furled leaders. Done properly it will remain in the twisted form much like a rope. Firmly tie one end to the rear hook and the other to the front hook. When tying to the front hook, tie so the surplus can be wrapped around the hook to form the body. Weight the front hook with lead eyes. Clip the front hook at the bend to reduce snagging on the bottom.