Tube Fly: Black Cat

This simple pattern is tied on a clear Eumer Plastic Tube by Simon Graham of Pike Fly Fishing Articles Blog.

Step #1: Mushroom the tip of a piece of size small plastic liner tube. Insert the liner tube into the hook tube. Leave 5mm protruding from the front.
Note: Use a small amount of super glue on the liner tube before inserting it into the hook tube.

Step #2: Tie on a small clump 80 mm long of pearl angel hair. Snip excess away, half hitch and place a dab of zap-a-gap over it.

Step #3: Take small clump of inexpensive black party wig hair material 140 mm long. Place fingers in the middle and pull out slightly making a tapered end. Tie onto the tube and then fold it back over itself. Build up cotton directly behind the fold.

Step #4: Repeat step 3 except this time use a section of wig hair 160 mm long. Tie it on and fold it back over itself. Build up cotton behind the fold.

Step #5: Always remember to build up the cotton directly behind the fold. Tying over the material will flatten it.

Step #6: Tie on another clump of pearl angel hair 100 mm long.

Step #7: Repeat steps 3 & 4 using a clump 180mm long black wig hair material.

Step #8: Turn your vise over and tie on a 5 mm strip arctic fox zonker (Red).

Step #9: Turn vise back over and add your last clump of wig hair material 200 mm long. fold over itself and build up the cotton behind.

Step #10: Cut 2 strips 70mm ea of white round rubber.

Step #11: Take the 1st strip and wrap it around the cotton. Then tie it onto the far side of the tube or hook shaft. Repeat the process for the front side.

Step #12: Pull strips of the rubber back and snip it with scissors. Whip finish and add a dap of head cement. Use a conehead to finish it off nicely.

This fly has proven extremely productive for Simon. This black version is particularly good during dusk and dawn sessions as well, although you can tie this fly in a multitude of colors. This has great action under the water.