Tying Directions
- Start by cutting a strip of closed-cell foam approximately 3/8" wide
and 2 1/2 times the length of the hook shank. Hook the foam so that there is
approximately 3/8" lip hanging below the shank. Slide the foam to the
eye of the hook and leave it.
- Tie in a bunch of black marabou for the tail. You can add a couple of
pieces of silver or pearl Krystal flash if you want.
- Tie in about 3 inches of Black eyelash yarn (Adrialfil - Stars) directly
in front of the tail. Fold the foam back down the length of the hook shank
and secure it at the tail with several wraps of thread.
- Spiral the thread up the length of the hook, securing the foam as you go.
Make sure that the spirals make a nice evenly segmented body. Make a couple
of wraps at each segment to prevent thread breakage from the raspy teeth of
the bass. Make three or four wraps at the head, to produce a nice firm lip
below the hook shank.
- Wrap the eyelash yarn up the shank, following the spiraled wraps of the
thread. As you wrap the eyelash yarn, pull the fibers towards the rear of
the hook to prevent trapping them under the next wrap of yarn. Tie off the
yarn and clip the excess.
- Pull the remaining foam back over the top of the hook to make the back or
shell of this pattern. I find it easier to separate the eyelash yarn on
either side of the hook prior to tying in the foam back to ensure an even distribution
of yarn on either side of the hook. Tie the foam down with several wraps of
thread, add a few half hitches or whip finish and a drop of head
cement.
- The final step is to trim the lips to the desired length.
Notes:
Super easy pattern and also super productive. Let's begin with the idea that
the Gartside Gurgler can be tied with one lip (top) like the original or two. I
find that many times the two-lipped version creates a bit more disturbance in
the water and attracts the attention of hungry bass.
This is a terrific pattern for me and once you see the action of this yarn
under water, you'll see what I mean. The original pattern call for hackle and
while this works well, I find the added action of the eyelash yarn adds to this
pattern and it's effectiveness.
The hardest part of tying this pattern is locating the correct eyelash yarn.
There are several hundred varieties out there and most will not do the trick. I
purchased mine off of ebay in an auction. Since then, I've done some research to
locate a reliable source. A company called Adrialfil manufactures it in France.
This is their line called Stars. The web site listed below both handle this
yarn.
[email protected] or
[email protected]
BACK TO SMALLMOUTH V
