This week’s great fly-tying video from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions shows you how to tie a simple yet effective streamer pattern based on the original Golden Retriever, created by Virginia tier Jim Finn. Like the original Woolly Bugger, Finn’s fly was originally designed for smallmouth bass. The features that make the pattern special are the translucent body, which allows the red underbody to shine through, and the extra full tail, which provides a lot of lifelike motion in the water.
As usual, Tim offers plenty of cool tricks to help you tie cleaner, more elegant flies. From the way he spins the thread to either cord it up or make it flatter, to his method for holding the tailing material to ensure it stays on top of the hook shank, Tim is always focused on making you a better overall tier.
Golden Retrieverish
Hook: 2X-long jig hook (here a Lightning Strike FM51 30), size 10.
Bead: Gold, slotted tungsten bead, 5/32-inch.
Thread: Red or chartreuse, 6/0 or 140-denier.
Weight: Lead-free round wire, .020.
Tail: Tan arctic fox.
Body: Tan Rayon chenille, medium.
Collar: Red tying thread.
Adhesive: Head cement.
Tools: Flea comb, whip-finish tool.
What’s this retrieverish BS. It’s the golden retriever. Jim Finn created this fly. Give credit where it’s due.
Perhaps you should watch and listen to the video before jumping to conclusions. If I had called it a Golden Retriever, I would get 10 different reasons why I couldn’t call it a Golden Retriever. Jim Finn was given full credit in both the narration and in the video’s description.
Thanks Bob, I appreciate your support. Most writers do give me credit for creating this pattern; this guy is an exception.
Jim
Jim, You are identified in the actual video. I will add the ID to the copy, as well.
Literally the first thing he does in the video is give credit to Finn. Simmer down, buddy. Maybe watch the video before you get all holier-than-thou.
Ever thought about a small wire counter rib for durability?
You certainly could use one if you like but I’m not sure it’s necessary. The chenille is rather durable stuff, with the rayon fibers kinda protecting the string core. To me, one of the many great things about this pattern and Jim Finn’s original Golden Retriever is it’s simplicity, nothing there that’s not needed. A true guide’s fly if there ever was one.