How to Tie a Mini Marabou Muddler | Fly Tying Tutorial
From: TheSlideinn
In this tutorial, Kelly Gallop from Slide Inn walks you through the process of tying the versatile Mini Marabou Muddler, a must-have pattern for any angler's fly box. Whether you're targeting trout or other freshwater species, this step-by-step guide will show you how to craft a fly that mimics the movements of small baitfish and draws strikes in a variety of conditions.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Start the Thread: Begin by attaching your thread to the hook. Start just above the hook's barb, leaving enough space for the deer hair head.
Attach the Wire: Take your small silver wire and attach it to the hook shank, wrapping back toward the bend of the hook. This wire will provide durability and create the ribbing for the fly's body.
Add the Holographic Flashabou: Cut off a small piece of holographic flashabou and tie it in at the rear of the hook. Secure it with tight wraps of thread. You can use one, two, or three strands depending on your preference.
Wrap the Flashabou: Wrap the flashabou forward toward the hook eye in smooth, even wraps. Secure it at the front of the hook with a few tight thread wraps and trim the excess.
Create the Body: For the body, use either holographic flashabou, mylar, or Uni-Floss. Wrap the material forward to form the body of the fly. If you're using mylar, rib it with the silver wire for added durability.
Prepare the Marabou: Choose a marabou feather that is dense enough but not too long. You can use wooly bugger marabou if you're looking for a shorter feather. Measure and cut it to the desired length for the tail and wing.
Tie in the Marabou: Tie the marabou in at the rear of the hook, securing it with tight wraps of thread. This will form the tail of the fly.
Form the Head: Select a small bunch of deer hair for the head of the fly. Tie the hair in and build a small, dense head, making sure the hair flares out slightly to help the fly float.
Finish the Fly: Once the deer hair is secure, trim any excess hair and tidy up the fly's head. Whip finish the thread and trim it.
Optional - Add Weight: If you want to add weight to the fly, you can tie in some lead wire or use a weighted hook. However, this fly is typically fished on a floating line and should remain light.
Materials List:
Hook: Daichi 1550 (size 8) or similar wet fly hook
Thread: Semper Fly Nano Silk (12/0 or similar)
Wire: Small silver wire for ribbing
Body Material: Holographic flashabou (or mylar, Uni-Floss)
Tail/Body: Marabou (Wooly Bugger type works well)
Head: Short-fibered deer hair (preferably a light color like yellow or white)
Optional: Lead wire (if adding weight)