How to Tie the Hog Magnet Fly Pattern: A Step-by-Step Guide

With: BCFlyguys

The Hog Magnet is a classic fly pattern created by the legendary John Kent. With its striking red and silver body, it's sure to catch the attention of fish, whether fished as a pupa, larvae, or attractor.

Materials List:

• Hook: Size 12 Daiichi 1760

• Bead: Red anodized 7/64

• Thread: Red ADOT thread

• Ribbing: Wire or red holographic Flashabou/Tinsel

• Body: Red holographic tinsel (medium)

• Tying material: Uni Stretch (for gills)

• Substitute (optional): Laser silver tinsel

• UV Resin or preferred coating (Sally Hansen’s or Crazy Glue)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hook and Bead:

   • Start by securing the size 12 Daiichi 1760 hook in your vice. Slide the red anodized 7/64 bead onto the hook and bring the bead to the front, positioning it just behind the eye of the hook.

2. Add the Gills:

   • Tie in a small section of Uni Stretch to create gills. Attach it at the rear of the bead, pulling the gills forward.

3. Build the Taper:

   • Start wrapping the thread to build a smooth taper towards the hook’s bend. For a quicker method, you can substitute Uni Stretch to form the taper, as John Kent does in his pattern. Continue wrapping until you reach the desired thickness.

4. Attach the Ribbing:

   • Choose either wire or red holographic Flashabou/Tinsel. For durability, use wire and tie it in on the near side of the hook (or whichever side is most comfortable for you). Ensure the wire is tied straight, avoiding any twisting.

5. Add the Body Material:

   • Attach red holographic tinsel (medium) on top of the hook shank. Wrap the thread to secure it in place. You want the tinsel to be centered.

6. Form the Tapered Body:

   • Begin building the taper with your thread, creating a smooth and even shape as you work towards the bead. This creates the foundation for the holographic tinsel and wire ribbing to sit on.

7. Wrap the Ribbing:

   • Now, take the laser silver tinsel (or the substitute material if you don’t have the original Lagertron mini flat braid) and start wrapping it in tight, touching wraps to form the body of the fly. Work your way up towards the bead.

8. Capture the Ribbing:

   • Once you’ve wrapped the tinsel around the body, capture it just behind the bead with a few thread wraps. Make sure the tinsel is securely fastened, then trim any excess.

9. Wrap the Ribbing:

   • Now, pull the wire ribbing over the body of the fly. Wrap it up towards the bead, creating even sections of ribbing. Make sure you don’t overlap too much, but some overlap is fine.

10. Finish the Fly:

    • Once the ribbing is in place, secure it with a few more wraps and trim any excess. To clean up the fly, use a whip finish to secure the thread and trim any loose ends.

11. Add Resin Coating:

    • Apply a thin, even coat of UV resin (or your preferred coating like Sally Hansen’s or Crazy Glue) to the body of the fly for durability. Cure it under UV light if you're using UV resin.

12. Final Touches:

    • Give the fly a final once-over, adjusting the ribbing if needed to ensure everything is secure and symmetrical. Trim any remaining stray fibers or thread, and your Hog Magnet is ready to fish!