Last year, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions showed us how to tie the standard version of Lance Egan’s Red Dart, but now he’s back to show us a smaller, simpler version that he’s been using to great effect on his local streams this spring. This diminutive, fast-sinking nymph is designed to catch a trout’s attention in fast water and is just buggy enough to resemble a variety of naturals.
In today’s video, Tim walks you through the simple steps for tying the Mini Dart, which requires no fussy materials of techniques. If you can make a dubbing loop, you can easily whip up this pattern in no time. And who doesn’t love an easy pattern that catches fish?
Mini Dart
Hook: 2X-short jig hook (here, a Fulling Mill 5125), size 20.
Head: Black tungsten slotted bead, 7/64-inch.
Thread: Red, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Weight: Lead-free round wire, .035 or ,020.
Tail: Chinese red Uni-Floss.
Abdomen: Peacock Black Ice Dub.
Collar: Pink UV Ice Dub.
Hot Spot: Red tying thread.
Adhesive: Head cement (here Sally Hansen Hard-As-Nails).
Tools: Ring plunger-style hackle pliers, dubbing whirl, whip-finish tool.