Last year, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions showed us how to tie the Mini Leech–the brainchild of Colorado guide and author Landon Mayer. And if we know anything about Tim, after all these videos, it’s that he’s a die-hard tinkerer. If he finds a pattern he likes, he sets to work figuring out ways to make it even better. Add to this his fondness of pine squirrel as a material, and you get this new creation.
In this great video, Tim walks you through the process of tying an Intruder-style Mini Leech. While the pattern may look complicated, none of the steps to create it is particularly difficult, and Tim’s instructions are easy to follow. The resulting pattern looks like a real winner that should offer lifelike action when you strip it through the water.
Intruder Leech
Shank: Senyo’s Micro Shank, 17mm.
Thread: Olive, 6/0 or 140-denier.
Eyes: Black bead-chain, medium.
Hook: Partridge z4 Intruder, size 8.
Connection: Braided line, 30-pound-test.
Butt: Fluorescent green Angora goat dubbing.
Body/tail: Sculpin-olive zonked pine squirrel.
Adhesive #1: Dubbing wax.
Collar: Pine-squirrel hair.
Head: Tying thread.
Adhesive #2: Head Cement.
Tools: Dubbing whirl, plunger-style hackle pliers, 2 chip clips, whip-finisher.