If you view fly tying as a classic, traditional art form, using fur, feathers, and other natural materials to craft imitations of insects and baitfish, then this pattern may not be for you. The Squirminator will be viewed as an apostasy by some, but folks who are looking for a durable, fish-catching fly should consider whipping up a few of these. Note the size of the rainbow trout in the photo above. Yes, that’s a Squirminator in its mouth.
In this video, Tim Flagler, of Tightline Productions, walks you through the process of tying the Squirminator, but first you’ll have to head for the toy section of your local store to find the right “tentacles.” Seriously.
Squirminator
Hook: Orvis Tactical Barbless Jig Hook, size 12.
Head: Gold slotted tungsten bead, 1/8-inch.
Tail: Light-Up Googly Worm tentacle.
Adhesive 1: Superglue.
Thread: Fluorescent orange, 8/0 or 70-denier.
Underbody: Fluorescent orange Antron dubbing.
Overbody: Yellow egg yarn.
Hot spot: Tying thread.
Adhesive 2: Head cement.
Hey guys,
I love your videos on how to tie flies but it would be nice if you used materials that were currently available…i.e. the hooks are on back order to Nov. 14 and the beads Jan. 2015! Beads I can get elsewhere but the hooks may be problematic unless you know of an acceptable substitute.
Just a consideration…
Regards,
Jerry Plaaten
Green Cove Springs, FL
Sorry about that, Jerry. We don’t actually make the videos. Tim Flagler at Tightline Productions makes them and sends them in. You might be able to find these materials at your local Orvis dealer, Black Fly Outfitters in Jacksonville (904-997-2220).
When you become obsessed with creating an exact replica of a fly you are lost… use the information ad a tool to create your own fly: I ordered 6 different colored googly balls for 7 dollars on amazon …. do you really think it matters what hook you use? ?? Or what material you use for collar? Do you think the fish will care? Use what you have!!!!
Looks like a good carp fly as well!
That’s so ugly, I’m going to tie a dozen right away! I think they’ll work for fussy tail water trout in the winter here.
Need to know how to get Googly Worms or another recommended material. I have searched everywhere and can’t find any material like the Googly Worm. I believe Imperial is not making this toy any more. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hey Ed…
Find these things at Dollar type stores and pharmacies like CVS. Much more expensive in the pharmacy! And it turns out, once the fly is tied, if the tail gets eaten, it’s easy to replace rather than the whole fly!
Great video. Love the detail.
Curios if there is a preferred way to fish this fly? I fish below a indicator most of the time and wonder how it would/should do under a dead drift. I would think swinging like a streamer would be productive as well.
Thoughts?
Thanks.