Lance Egan is a well-known competition angler and fly tier from Utah. His well-known patterns include the Frenchie, the Rainbow Warrior, and the Red Dart. A couple years ago, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions showed us how to tie the Red Dart, and here he features a drop-bead version of that pattern. You might notice that all of these patterns are designed to sink quickly into a trout’s strike zone, which Lance feels is an important feature. Since he is a three-time national fly-fishing champion and a bronze medalist at the world championships, we oughta take his word for it.
In this week’s great tying video, Tim demonstrates a cool way to create beadhead patterns using a drop bead, which causes a pattern to ride hook-point-up in the water. As usual, Tim has figured out the best way to attach and secure the drop bead. The result looks like a go-to searching pattern you’ll use a lot.
Drop-Bead Red Dart
Hook: 2X-short black-nickel jig hook (here, a Fulling Mill 5125), size 18.
Bead: Gold tungsten drop bead, 1/8-inch.
Thread: Red, 6/0 or 70-denier.
Adhesive #1: Superglue (here, Fly Tyers Z-Ment).
Tail: Fluorescent pink Faux Bucktail, stacked.
Abdomen: Black Sparkle Braid, midge.
Thorax: Pink UV Ice Dub.
Collar: Brown CDC.
Hot spot: Tying thread.
Adhesive #2: Head cement (here, Sally Hansen Hard-As-Nails).
Tools: Plunger-style hackle pliers, whip finish.
