Step by Step Guide: Salt Water Fly Tying for Beginners Sheep Mullet

Featuring : Ole Florida Fly Shop

The Sheep Mullet – a highly effective saltwater fly pattern designed to mimic the natural movements of the mullet a small bait fish found almost everywhere in the ocean.

 In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of tying the Sheep Mullett. Get ready to elevate your saltwater fly fishing game with this proven pattern!

Step-by-Step Guide: Sheep Mullet

Materials Needed:

  1. Hook: Saltwater streamer hook, sizes 2 to 6.

  2. Thread: Strong thread, 3/0 to 6/0 in a suitable color (e.g., black, white).

  3. Body: Sheep's wool or synthetic sheep's wool substitute in natural or tan colors.

  4. Flash: Flashabou or similar flashy material (optional).

  5. Eyes: Stick-on or painted eyes.

  6. Tail: Marabou feathers or synthetic substitute in a suitable color (e.g., black, white).

  7. Head: Hackle feathers or synthetic "live bait" material.

  8. Adhesive: Superglue or UV resin.

Step 1: Secure the Hook

Secure the hook in the vise and start wrapping the thread about one-third of the way down the hook shank from the eye.

Step 2: Tie in the Tail

Select a few marabou feathers or synthetic substitute in a suitable color for the tail of the fly. Tie them in at the back of the hook shank, extending to about twice the length of the hook shank. Trim any excess.

Step 3: Tie in the Body (First Clump of Sheep Wool)

Tie in a five-inch clump of sheep's wool or synthetic substitute at the back of the hook shank, just in front of the tail. This will form the bulk of the fly's body.

Step 4: Repeat to Bulk Up the Body

Repeat the process of tying in clumps of sheep's wool along the hook shank, moving towards the hook eye. This will create a bulky body for the fly.

Step 5: Add Flash (Optional)

Tie in a few strands of flashabou or similar flashy material on top of the body material for added attraction. Trim the flash to the desired length, usually slightly longer than the tail.

Step 6: Form the Head (With Hackle or "Live Bait" Material)

Tie in hackle feathers or synthetic "live bait" material at the front of the fly, just behind the hook eye. This will form the head of the fly and give it a more lifelike appearance.

Step 7: Attach Eyes

Stick on or paint eyes onto each side of the head, just behind the hook eye. The eyes should be positioned symmetrically and give the fly a lifelike appearance.

all photos From: Ole Florida Fly Shop

Step 8: Secure and Finish

Wrap the thread around the head and eyes to secure them in place. Make several tight wraps to ensure everything is firmly attached. Finish the fly by making a few whip finishes behind the eyes.

Step 9: Apply Adhesive

Apply a small amount of superglue or UV resin to the thread wraps securing the eyes and head. This will add extra durability to the fly and ensure the materials stay in place during fishing.

Step 10: Final Touches

Trim any stray fibers and ensure the fly has a clean, finished appearance. Your Sheep Mullet is now complete and ready to tempt saltwater species with its lifelike action and profile!

Feel free to adjust the colors and sizes of materials to match local baitfish and target species preferences.

From: Ole Florida Fly Shop

Material list and kit: http://bit.ly/3LO5WLh FREE shipping anywhere in the U.S with no minimum The Sheep Mullet is an easy tie perfect for someone looking to fill the box with an effective large baitfish pattern for so many saltwater situations.

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