The Knucklehead Streamer from Richard Strolis on Vimeo.
The spring season is almost here, and high water on the Battenkill will mean it’s streamer time. I’ve always liked articulated patterns, though haven’t tied many because they seemed kind of complicated. But in this video, Connecticut-based guide Rich Strolis, demonstrates a straightforward method for tying wiggly, two-hook streamers using some innovative new products. You can tie the Knucklehead in lots of different colors to mimic your local forage fish. I plan on tying up some olive and copper ones for the ‘Kill.
Rich’s recipe uses two products you may not be familiar with, Wiggle Tube and a Fish-Skull. Both offer interesting solutions to common tying problems. The hooks Rich uses are sometimes criticized for their durability when they get knocked on the streambottom a lot, but this pattern rides hooks-up, which should ameliorate the problem somewhat.
Here’s the recipe:
The Knucklehead Streamer
Rear hook: TMC 2499 SPBL, size 8.
Front hook: TMC 2499 SPBL, size 6.
Thread: UTC 140, black.
Flash: Ice Dub.
Junction: 30-pound Powerbraid and Black Wiggle Tube.
Tail & Body: Barred, dyed marabou.
Collar: Senyo Laser Yarn.
Head: Small Fish-Skull.