Steve Hudson
Senior Member
Some flies (like the Yallerhammer that we tied last week) are legends because they're rooted deep in history or tradition.
But others earn legend status because they're, well, radical.
This week, The Tying Bench focuses on one of those "radical" flies -- the famous (some would say infamous) Squirmy Worm.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the Squirmy Worm (which features a body made from soft, flexible round plastic strands) can be notoriously hard to tie. The problem is the very body material which makes it work so well. That material is exceptionally temperamental ... for example, tying thread will damage it at the drop of a hat, and most head cements turn it into worthless goo. It can be maddening to tie...unless you know a few Squirmy Worm tricks!
This Saturday on The Tying Bench, you'll learn the secrets to tying two great versions of the Squirmy Worm the easy way -- and once you do, you'll be on your way to enjoying a pattern that is sure to become one of your favorites.
There is no charge to be a part of The Tying Bench, and all are welcome.
I hope to see you and tie flies with you this Saturday morning!
Here's the materials list:
Hook: Size 12 or 14 curved-shank scud-style hook. Hooks with wider gapes are generally best for this fly.
Bead (for bead version): Pink tungsten bead suitable for hook. Don't go too small on the bead.
Thread: Approximately match body color (but not super critical), size 3/0 or 6/0.
Dubbing: Fine-textured dubbling blend in a color that matches or complements the color of the soft plastic body material you'll be using.
Body: "Squirmy Wormies" body material. Favorite colors include Bloodworm Red or Hot Pink and of course Earthworm Tan. Many other colors work, too. The body material is inexpensive, so you might want to get several different colors!
Head cement: You want to use a WATER-BASED head cement for this fly. NOTE: Traditional head cement, Hard as Nails, and Zap-a-Gap will NOT work...they will dissolve the body material!
Other things you will want to have:
1) To tie the beadhead version, you'll need a bobbin threader or a foot or so of 6-lb (+/-) nylon monofilament
2) Dubbing wax can make dubbing easier
3) Remember to pick up some water-based head cement!
ZOOM MEETING INFO:
Saturday, July 24
10 a.m. Eastern
MEETING ID: 893 6095 6455
Passcode: FlyTying24
But others earn legend status because they're, well, radical.
This week, The Tying Bench focuses on one of those "radical" flies -- the famous (some would say infamous) Squirmy Worm.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the Squirmy Worm (which features a body made from soft, flexible round plastic strands) can be notoriously hard to tie. The problem is the very body material which makes it work so well. That material is exceptionally temperamental ... for example, tying thread will damage it at the drop of a hat, and most head cements turn it into worthless goo. It can be maddening to tie...unless you know a few Squirmy Worm tricks!
This Saturday on The Tying Bench, you'll learn the secrets to tying two great versions of the Squirmy Worm the easy way -- and once you do, you'll be on your way to enjoying a pattern that is sure to become one of your favorites.
There is no charge to be a part of The Tying Bench, and all are welcome.
I hope to see you and tie flies with you this Saturday morning!
Here's the materials list:
Hook: Size 12 or 14 curved-shank scud-style hook. Hooks with wider gapes are generally best for this fly.
Bead (for bead version): Pink tungsten bead suitable for hook. Don't go too small on the bead.
Thread: Approximately match body color (but not super critical), size 3/0 or 6/0.
Dubbing: Fine-textured dubbling blend in a color that matches or complements the color of the soft plastic body material you'll be using.
Body: "Squirmy Wormies" body material. Favorite colors include Bloodworm Red or Hot Pink and of course Earthworm Tan. Many other colors work, too. The body material is inexpensive, so you might want to get several different colors!
Head cement: You want to use a WATER-BASED head cement for this fly. NOTE: Traditional head cement, Hard as Nails, and Zap-a-Gap will NOT work...they will dissolve the body material!
Other things you will want to have:
1) To tie the beadhead version, you'll need a bobbin threader or a foot or so of 6-lb (+/-) nylon monofilament
2) Dubbing wax can make dubbing easier
3) Remember to pick up some water-based head cement!
ZOOM MEETING INFO:
Saturday, July 24
10 a.m. Eastern
MEETING ID: 893 6095 6455
Passcode: FlyTying24
