Not only is he one of the finest casters in the world but he is also an exceptional fly tier and his range of flies are extremely popular, none more so than the �Lefty�s Deceiver�. I guess in popularity it would rate second only to the Clouser Minnow featured in another tying tutorial.

It is, quite obviously, a baitfish imitation and I believe its main success is in it�s over all shape and the hackles used in the tail which gives it a superb action.

Pattern:

Hook: This is personal preference but I tie this usually on the Gamakatsu SL12. The example shown here is tied on Gamakatsu SP11. This is an excellent hook made of extra strong wire and is perfect if chasing large species like Kingies and Marlin etc.

Size: 8 � 10/0

Thread: Danville�s Flymaster (Colour to suit)

Tail: 4 saddle hackles.

Body: Usually just thread.

Wing: Bucktail colours to suit.

Eye: (Optional) I usually just paint an eye and then varnish over it but if you want to create a nicer �look�, the fish won�t care, then you can use an adhesive eye and then epoxy the head.

Tying Sequence:

Insert your hook in the vice and attach the thread as we have done previously. Select some suitable hackles from a saddle cape or a bunch of strung saddle hackle

Now you want 4 hackles which are as alike as you can get them. This will help create the right action. Put them into two pairs. You will notice the hackles have a natural curvature and the put the first pair together with the curvature facing inwards. Most hackles have a shiny and a dull side so if you have trouble spotting the curve then put them together with the dull side inwards facing each other like so.

 

Tie these in.

Next tie in the other two hackles on the outside of these, one on each side also facing inwards. This will create a more solid body shape.

For the purposes of demonstration I have messed the hackles up so you can see they are all there�

But in practise you want them to appear virtually as one.

 

Cement this in place and wind you thread forward, ensuring you are leaving enough room to tie in the wing and to form a neat head.

 

Cut a piece of bucktail, colour to suit and the length should extend to about half way down the length of the hackles tied in at the tail.

 

Tie this in on the far side of the hook shank as shown

Cut an identical clump and tie this in on the closest side.

Now cut another piece of bucktail and tie this in on top of the hook. This is where you can add a contrast by using a varying colour, in this case red. However, keep in mind that anglers the world over use every colour you can possibly imagine in different parts of this fly. It is limited only by your imagination.

Trim the butts of the bucktail and, if you want to add some flash, add some Flashabou, Mylar, polar fibre or accent flash to the top.

 

Whip finish the head and you are done� unless you want to add an eye in which case stick it on and epoxy the head, or paint it on and cement the head.

 

Another variant of this fly is to tie in 6 - 8 saddle hackles as shown but turn turn the hackles outwards. This creates a very servicable squid imitation.

 

All text and images (c) Clark Reid 2006.