The latest brilliant fly-tying video from Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions features a flashy, buggy, heavy nymph that will get to the bottom fast and attract interest from hungry trout. The Navy Diver rides hook-point-up, so it will snag less on the bottom, and the rubber legs used for tails will offer plenty of action in the water. The body of the fly is tied with Sulky Holoshimmer Metallic Thread, which poses some challenges but looks fantastic.
As usual, Tim walks you through the tying process, offering excellent advice for how to make each step easier and more effective. This looks like a really great pattern for winter into spring, so you may want to twist up a few of these right now.
Navy Diver
Hook: Lightning Strike JF2 or Orvis Tactical Jig Hook, sizes 12-18.
Bead 1: Gold slotted tungsten bead, 7/64.
Body: Blue Sulky Holoshimmer Metallic Thread.
Rib: Gold Ultra Wire, small.
Tails: Black Mini Centipede Legs.
Adhesive: UV-cure resin.
Tools : Plunger-style hackle pliers, dubbing needle, bodkin.
Note: Tie this pattern in a variety of color combinations.
Note #2: You can buy the Lightning Strike JF2 here.
Very good
Considering just what was shown in the video (and ballparking the centipede leg varieties at 12), I’m getting the following:
8 sulky colors
12 centipede leg colors
4 hook sizes
4 bead colors
7 wire colors
This would yield 8x12x4x4x7 = 10752 possible combinations.
That’s not enough combinations. The trout are already onto you.
I have emailed Tim, and I’ll post a link as soon as I get a reply. Sorry for the delay.
This would be a great fly to tie. Super simple for a novice fly tyer. Only a few problems I’m running into. The jig hooks are hard to find. The slotted bead heads equally as hard to find. Every place I try to get the thread from is out of stock, and when they’re not out of stock they send me the wrong colors. Then there’s the “extra wide” bobbin holder. I’m pretty sure it is a mythical creature to which was made up and the one in the video is just a figment of my imagination.
guys! improvise a little! You don’t need the exact stuff the guy used to tie his pattern. The mechanism of quick sink, minimal water resistance and the pulsing action of the tails that makes this fly effective. Blue stands out very well in deep dark water . Maybe kick it up a notch with UV dubbing, silicone barred legs and even a vail of CDC to trap an air bubble. Maybe a dubbing loop just behind the collar with lots of guard hairs and the rubber leg material spun together.
Outstanding video! First one I have watched.
The narration reminds me of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, when I was a lot younger. Thanks for the fond flashback and great video….off to watch some more.
T Hargrove Fly Shop St. Louis Mo.
Carries the JF2 Lightening Jig Hook
314-968-4223
The tactical nymphing jig hooks and slotted tungsten beads from Orvis have always worked well for me.
I have gotten Sulky from JoAnn Fabrics for years. You would not believe the range of colors available and since it is not specific for fly tying the price is not too bad.
This looks like a fun tie. I will have to give it a try.
Sounds like the commenters above need to get out more…
FYI Sulky holoshimmer and the extra wide bobbin are both available at Mudhole (the rod-building online store).
That said, I preferred using the Stonfo “maxi” size ceramic bobbin more, since it’s lighter. Easier to keep tension on the stuff without breaking it.