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Partridge
of Redditch |
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Crazy
Charlie Variant
by Barry Ord Clarke (Profile) |
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This
very popular American pattern was developed by
fly tier Bob Nauheim while fishing with his friend
from the Bahamas Charley Smith. Originally named
the Nasty Charley, but a large US fly company stocked
this pattern and re-named it Crazy Charlie and
the name has stuck. Although developed originally
for bone fish, it is equally effective on all types
of predatory fish especially pike, zander and sea
trout. With its sparse body, small wing and weighted
eyes this pattern gets down deep quick, which makes
it perfect for sight fishing cruising fish.
The
Crazy Charlie can be tied in just about any colour,
but some of the most popular are white, pink, brown
and black. |
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Hook: Partridge Sea Prince # 6- 1/0
Thread: White or clear mono
Eyes: Silver bead chain links
Tail: white calf tail
Over-body: Clear- Larva lace or nymph rib
Wing: White calf tail
Head: Epoxy or varnish
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Step
1:
Place
the hook in the vise and run tying thread along
the hook shank just into the bend.
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Photos: Barry Ord Clarke |
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Step
2:
Now
tie in a small bunch of calf tail. This shouldn't
be stacked, but left quite coarse. At this stage
you can also tie in a few strands of crystal hair
for a little added flash, if you wish. |
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Step
3:
Cut
a length of larva lace and trim the end to a point
so that when you tie this in you reduce bulk, tie
this in under the base of the tail.
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Step
4:
Move
the tying thread back up the hook shankabout 4mm
behind the hook eye. Select the right size of bead
chain eyes required for your fly and tie in with
good tight figure of eight turns of tying thread. |
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Step
5:
Rib
the whole hook shaft as shown with the larva lace
in close tight even turns. Take the Larva lace
under the bead chain eyes and secure with a few
turns of tying thread.
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Step
6:
While
pulling on the Larva lace, so as too stretch it,
wrap the lace back down the already ribbed body,
about one third of the way double back towards
the head again. Tie this off under the nose of
the fly. |
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Step
7:
Tie
in the wing of calf tail. This should be long enough
to hide the hook point and bend. A good drop of
varnish should be applied to the butt ends of the
calf tail when tying. This will hold all the fibres
in place. Whip finish.
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Step
8:
The head of the fly should be given a good coat with
epoxy or hard varnish. |
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All content ©
Copyright 2006. Partridge of Redditch Limited.
Use of material only in agreement with Partridge of Redditch Limited.
Partridge
of Redditch Limited
Telephone: +44 (0) 8707 602 130
email:hooks@partridge-of-redditch.com
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