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The Two Bit Hooker is another brilliant fly from the mind of Jedi fly designer Charlie Craven. Several key notes for us when we tie this pattern:

1. Don’t skip dubbing between the beads! This bulk of dubbing acts as the foundation for the legs and wing case. Within this foundation, the thread will push the legs and wing case deep into the area between the beads and the legs will look like they’re in position for a backstroke. When crossing over to dub between the beads, make the cross over ON TOP of the beads; the wing case will then cover the crossover.
2. The teardrop shaped resin coating over the wing case is best built in 2 or 3 layers. When we attempt to do this in one layer, we find that the risk of a poorly shaped resin coating goes up meaningfully.
3. Use thread for the rib instead of wire…the thread used for the rib becomes the tying thread. Brilliant!

The recipe:

• Hook: Nymph hook, sizes 12-20. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Beads: 2 x 2.5mm (for size 14 hook)
• Thread: Color to match desired body. We like UTC 70D for this pattern because it will lay very flat. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Tail: Pheasant Patch fibers. There are some really great colors. We like Cerise for the tail of a red Two Bit. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Body: Thread
• Rib: Black Thread. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Wing case: Large Holo Tinsel, Black. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Thorax: Super fine. Color to match. For a Red Two Bit, we use Mahogony. https://www.discountflies.com/...
• Legs: Same as tail
• Resin: UV Craft, Clear Thick. https://www.discountflies.com/...