SLF Shrimp Variant

This is a variation of the SLF Shrimp was adapted as an alternative to an epoxy pattern used for permit in the Hinchinbrook area. The epoxy while giving the fly a fast sink rate also makes it heavy and difficult to cast. This version is much easier to cast than the epoxy counterpart and the hook point up style enables the pattern to be fished on the bottom and be relatively snagless similar to the clousers and crazy charlies. The addition of the mono hoop at the hook eye makes the fly stand up off the bottom similar to a shrimp that is threatened.

 

Hook

#2 to 1/0 Gamakatsu SL12S

Thread

white flat waxed

Materials

Feelers - "Comes Alive" in pearl or ice
Eyes - burnt mono
Body - white or tan SLF dubbing
Back/Tail - white streamer hair or seahair
Stand - 20 - 30 lb hard mono
Weight - large beadchain or barbell

Instructions:
1.   Lay a base of thread from the hook eye to the hook bend.

2.   Attach a pair of large bead chain or barbell eyes about one hook eye width behind the hook eye.

3.   Select 3 or 4 strands of Comes Alive, double it around the thread, tie in above the hook point and wrap slightly around the bend.

4.   Form a dubbing loop at the bend and move thread back to the halfway point along the shank.

5.   Spin a generous amount of dubbing (about 3 inches long) to the loop.

6.   Wrap the dubbing to form a lump about a quarter of an inch long at the bend of the hook. Tie off with three turns of thread to stop it unraveling.

7.   Turn the hook over and tie on the mono eyes so that they extend either side of the hook bend and move thread to the hook eye.

8.   Continue wrapping the dubbing along the hook shank to form a tapered body. Tie off behind the hook eye and trim excess.

9.   Select about 10 strands of streamer hair and lay it along the top of the back so that it is evenly distributed either side of the hook bend and it extends past the eyes. Secure in place by using the thread and wide wraps up to the back of the initial "lump" that was produced and back to the hook eye (three turns up and back are sufficient).

10.   Use a piece of velcro and tease out some of the fibres along the bottom and front of the fly.

11.   Attach a loop of mono behind the hook eye. It should extend from the hook eye to the bend and be at an angle of to the hook shank. Use a pair of pliers to pinch the mono to give a square shape. This helps the fly to stand up more realistically.

12.   Tie off and whip finish.

13.   Apply a generous coat of thin silicon along the entire back of the fly and the streamer hair that extends past the hook. (this will prolong the life of the fly). Squeeze the section that extends past the eyes together.

14.   When cured, trim the front of the streamer hair at an angle slightly in front of the eyes.

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