CREASE FLY

Original pattern by Joe Blados

The fly body is constructed out of closed cell foam which gives it a popper type action. By folding the foam to create an air pocket, it not only adds to the buoyancy but also creates an action. Queenfish and trevelly are good candidates as well as many other species that will take a surface fly.



Hook:
Gamakatsu B10S #2 to 3/0 are a good choice because of they are sharp, light and have a wide gape. The down side is that they have to rinsed in fresh water after use to help prevent rusting.

Thread:
Monofilament

Materials:
Body - closed cell foam. White or light tan foam are the best colours to accept the highlighting colour
Body Colour - permanent markers or try adding some lateral line material down the centre of the body while the Softex coat is still wet. The fly body in the photo has been covered with a scale film.
Tail - any material that has some action. Try bucktail or any of the synthetics such as Polafibre.
Eyes - black/silver 3D

Instructions:

1. Start thread at the hook eye and form a base of thread back to the bend. Tie in a sparse bunch of white bucktail so that it extends by the length of the shank past the bend of the hook.

2. Tie in 4 doubled strands of flash on top of the bucktail.

3. Tie in top colour of bucktail on top of the flash. Don’t over wrap as this will cause a lump in the finished fly.

4. Wrap the thread backwards and forwards a few times using wide wraps, whip finish and trim off excess thread. This will give a base for the glue to grip to.

5. Take a piece of paper, double it, and cut out the body shape. The body should extend past the bend. The head should be about two hook eye widths deep. Test the shape on the fly to ensure that you have the correct shape and that the bottom curve leaves sufficient clear gape on the hook to ensure hookup.

6. Flatten out the paper template and cut out the closed cell foam body. Double the foam and check the shape and fit. Make any necessary adjustments with the foam doubled.

7. Place a small amount of Superglue Gel on the thread base. Run a narrow bead of glue around the edge of the foam – don’t put any glue on the front edge of the head of the body.

8. Double the foam and lightly attach to the hook so that the hook eye is level with the bottom edge of the front of the body. Spread the tail materials flat and press the body edges together.

9. Add colour highlights to the body with waterproof markers. After applying, rub with a cloth to achieve a subtle blending.

10. Attach eyes and apply a thin coat of Softex over the entire body to secure eyes and preserve the colours. The finished fly must have a hollow head. In the water, this retains an air bubble and imparts action to the fly.

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