This has been a fish catcher.


Hook 14, 70 denier yellow thread, soft hackle tied flat. Peacock herl, clear nail polish, 2.5mm bead (optional).
It's easy to tie. A wound hackle if preferred. I thread the hackle quill through the bead and tie it off. The body can be any suitable material tied thin. I like the thin herl from the base of the peacock quill. A thin coat of varnish over the thread base, before winding the herl, makes the body more durable.

Yes, unconventionally. I pondered that. It was easier to thread the hackle and a tighter fit on this hook with the less bulky materials and helped to splay the hackle away from the eye? Does it matter? Probably not! The fish seem to pounce on it without a second thought. I tie them also without the bead and build a thread head.

It's particularly effective under an indicator.

Great tips! I can't believe I missed seeing this back in the winter. Thanks all.