GURGLER CRITTER

Original pattern by Jack Gartside

This is adaptation of the original pattern was designed for use in the freshwater impoundments when targeting such species as Saratoga and Australian Bass. It is used to imitate a hopper or cicada that has fallen into the water. The technique is to plop the fly onto the water and wait for the ripples to clear (now you have their attention) twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect.

Hook:
#4 to #1 Gamakatsu B10S or Mustad Stinger

Thread:
tan flat waxed

Materials:
Tail - rabbit fur or marabou
Body - variegated chenille
Foam - two tone tan (achieved by gluing thin foam together with contact adhesive and cut to width with a sharp blade)
Legs - black or olive sili-legs
Eyes - gold 3D

Weedguard - optional - tie in double mono guard when fishing in weeds and lillies

Instructions:

1.   Lay a base of thread along the hook shank.

2.   Attach the tail over the hook point and over wrap back to the bend.

3.   Trimming end to arrow head shape and attach the butt of the foam at the hook bend

4.   Tie in the chenille at the hook bend.

5.   Wrap thread forward to about three hook eye widths behind the eye.

6.   Lay three pieces of leg material across the hook shank on the thread and attach using three or four figure of eight wraps.

7.   Apply a little head cement along the length of the shank and wrap the chenille forward to just behind the hook eye, tie off and trim excess.

8.   Take care not to catch the legs up in the chenille as it is wrapped forward.

9.   Pull the foam forward and tie down just behind the hook eye. Whip finish and apply some head cement to secure.

10.  Attach the eyes and cover with a small amount of Softex or Softdip to secure.

   Click Fly to Return to Pattern Index