Evolution of a fly

[maharg]

With all this “pimping” of flies I was reminded of an evolution of one of my favourite patterns, the black pennel.
Over the years I have caught hundreds of fish on this fly.
The original tying shown to me was this one with a thread body and a silver tinsel rib.

It worked well bit was easily damaged by trout’s teeth.

I was shown a slight variant using seals fur and silver wire. This was my mainstay for years.


I always felt it could do with a tweak here and there but generally fished on with it as is. Then along came Mirage!!! Initially I simply ribbed the fly with the tinsel. It got chewed up pretty bad. So I then covered the body with two layers of mirage and over ribbed it with black thread. Worked a treat and helped me to win one of our club competitions.

Always looking to add a bit here and there I have tried using straggle as a rib.

Always thought it could do with a little red or orange in the dressing and tried a simple pennel with a coloured thread head. Jury is still out on this one.

This year I went the full hog and added red tippets and a touch of red seals fur at the head. Might be better behind the hackle though, what do you think??

See also "Pimped" River- Pennell
and

The Classics, Black pennell

[andypandy]

I think your new one looks good. I think the dubbing would also look better behind the hackle as then the hackle fibers will move better in the water.

Thats my 2 pence. I like the progression of the fly over the years. I have been the same with my zonkers and cats whiskers.

Andy

[roll cast]

I like one with a nuclear green tag tied in after the tail and a body of floss wrapped over with some sparshly dubbed pearl dub

[darwin]

The Claret and Black Claret Pennel are both on my favorites list
and now McGowan's Marauder is way cool (anyone tell me how/where that hackle feather is/comes from?)

[maharg]

Originally Posted by darwin

The Claret and Black Claret Pennel are both on my favorites list
and now McGowan's Marauder is way cool (anyone tell me how/where that hackle feather is/comes from?)

It is guinea fowl

[dabhoy]

Good thread Graham
The black pennell was the 1st fly I ever tied and have been tweaking it ever since but still fish the original.

I think I posted this on here before but this is one that worked for me not the best tied or pic it will give you and idea of the dubbing behind the hackle.

[maharg]

Thats the Bhoy

[darwin]

Originally Posted by maharg

It is guinea fowl

That's what I figured it was, but I have no clue how it was dyed. It looks like a normal guinea hackle that has been dyed black, how to keep the white spots?

[maharg]

Originally Posted by darwin

That's what I figured it was, but I have no clue how it was dyed. It looks like a normal guinea hackle that has been dyed black, how to keep the white spots?

Christ I dont know, looks dyed alright