Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions loves patterns with tons of lifelike motion in the water. The Bronze Goddess is the creation of Mike Jacobs of Iowa, who designed it to catch smallmouth bass. Unlike many fly tiers–who would like us to believe that new patterns arrive without forbears–Jacobs recognized that his pattern was really just a variation on the original Woolly Bugger. But the additions to Russel Blessing’s original make the fly perform even better in the water.
In this week’s great tying video, Tim shows you how to create this great pattern. As usual, with each step, he demonstrates the most efficient and secure way to attach the material to make the fly durable and effective. From preparing marabou to tying in hackles, Tim’s tips will help you tie almost every pattern better.
Bronze Goddess
Hook: 4X-long streamer hook (here, a Mustad 9672), size 4.
Eye base: Any dubbing.
Thread: Orange, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Eyes: Yellow-and-black Presentation Lead Eyes, small.
Adhesive #1: Superglue (here, Fly Tyers Z-Ment).
Tail: Golden-brown marabou.
Flash: Copper Flashabou.
Body: Copper Estaz Metallique.
Hackle: Brown saddle hackle.
Collar: Wood-duck dyed mallard-flank feather.
Hackle: Brown saddle hackle.
Legs: Barred chestnut silicone legs.
Head: Copper Estaz Metallique.
Adhesive: Head cement (here, Sally Hansen Hard-as-Nails).