Charlie Boy Hopper
Note: I use tan foam because the hoppers in my area are that color. You can always substitute colors to match your local insects. This is a variation of the Original Charlie Craven pattern. Tying instructions
- Cut a 3 inch strip of foam and push it through the hook eye. Let is hang off the back end of the hook.
- Start thread at the eye and wrap back to above the barb and leave thread on opposite side of hook. Once you have measured the foam, poke the eye of the hook through the foam, making sure both ends will match up behind the bend of the hook. You want about ½” – 1” to hang over the bend of the hook.
- Dab super glue over the foam and fold over glueing both sides together, Take a razor blade and trim the tail section. Cutting from the bottom going upward. This will give the tail end a tapered look.
- Next begin making rib wraps towards the eye of the hook. I make the rib wraps by wrapping around the foam twice then crossing over the top of the foam to create the next rib. Do this three or four times evenly spaced. By crossing on top of the foam, the thread will not show as you progress to the front of the hook. It will all be covered up later with the wings.
- Cut two rubber legs the length of the foam body.
- Tie in the first leg nearest you with two wraps. Then cross over the foam using the same cross over made previously while ribbing the body. Then tie in the back part of the leg with two wraps. Do the same for the other leg. They should stand out similar to a Madame X.
- Tie in 4-5 pieces of Krystal flash that are folded in half, giving you 8-10 ends. This should be the same length as the body.
- Create an over wing with elk hair. Clean, stack and measure the wing so it is even with the Krystal flash and tie in. Trim the butt ends.
- Tie in the indicator (Para Post Wing). Make the same length as the wing. Whip finish and add a drop of super glue.
- Using a black Sharpie pen. Make eyes.