Lures for the depths.

[guest21]

'Inspired' by the 'Standing in Boats' thread I was hit by a sudden rush of nostalgia which in turn, led to a trip down memory lane rummage in the garage. In a dark corner there were my chains (don't ask ), rudder (blade smashed and shaft bent by a 'friend' who grounded it) and my old lead core rod (I don't recall having Herculean strength ... I must have eaten a lot of spinach in the '80's). There were reels that must have weighed a pound each and 'lines' of dubious provenance and even stranger configuration - it was a time of experimentation (?).

The outcome of the rummage (not the negative one that involved Mrs Lighthouse) was a determination to revisit those happy days of 'dredging' the larger reservoirs - a visit to Mr Parton replaced the missing 'bits and pieces' and subsequently I've started to tie some 'appropriate' flies. Here's a flavour, a 3", all white tandem (size 6 longshanks). Certainly less eye-straining than the sub size 20s I've recently been tying.

[steve collyer]

Very nice!
The old tandem white marabou muddler was a fave for this sort of thing back in the day.
If you want to go even further back (late 1960's/early 1970's) then lead core with tandem black or white lures with cock-hackle wings were all the rage.
"Terrors" were also used & these had 3 hooks in tandem, with the middle one pointing upwards as I recall.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but pretty effective for big fish in big waters.

[maharg]

Always fancied a go at that rudder fishing lark.
Big tandems and loads of flash, brilliant.
I would imagine a chance at a real rod bender to.

[Rob Edmunds]

It's like everything...do it every week and it gets boring.

But at the right time it's great fun...and you can usually get some cracking fish.

May-June and September - October are consistantly the best times to have a go; with the chance of some very big fish..

Personally i like a nice big white and silver tandem...or a silver and gold tube (with a single hook at the head end of the tube)

As big browns often hit the fly head or side on...

This year i intend to go further and try the rudder on the East coast for Bass...

You might see me on Sea Rescue at some point

[midlander]

I know what you mean LH. I got the same feeling late last season so I whipped these up. Newer body materials but the same principal as the old ones.



This white one had a couple of fish but was easily eclipsed by a white minkie. Too big for the size of fry I reckon.



This got a swim but that was about it.

[stockiebasherno1]

Originally Posted by midlander

I know what you mean LH. I got the same feeling late last season so I whipped these up. Newer body materials but the same principal as the old ones.



This white one had a couple of fish but was easily eclipsed by a white minkie. Too big for the size of fry I reckon.



This got a swim but that was about it.

Can you tell me how you join the second hook on the fly? i have a fly with an extra hook but it just looks like its been tied on with nylon

[guest21]

Originally Posted by stockiebasherno1

Can you tell me how you join the second hook on the fly?

I use a three methods;

45lb BS Mono, 'blobbed' at both ends with a lighter then whipped and super glued.

Three strands of 15lb BS, plaited, stretched then whipped and super glued.

30lb (ish) plastic covered pike trace wire, again whipped and super glued. (This is a more rigid mount and allows the rear hook, whether single, double or treble to be angled upwards into any trailing wing / tail.

Don't use waxed thread, unwaxed thread (GSP) allows the super glue to penetrate.

[ACW]

Suprised how small these tandems are ,5-6 inches were my go to for Datchet ,Mr Veniard was happy with me using half a pack of marabou per "fly",not to mention the deer hair needed for golf ball size heads!
2x size 2 strong hold long shanks joined with platted maxima 15 lb,ah what fun !

[guest21]

Originally Posted by steve collyer

Very nice!
The old tandem white marabou muddler was a fave for this sort of thing back in the day.

Originally Posted by midlander

I know what you mean LH. I got the same feeling late last season so I whipped these up. Newer body materials but the same principal as the old ones.

Here's my White Tandem Muddler.



The availability of materials that simply weren't around in the late 70's, early 80's - Flash Materials, Angel Hair, Fritz, Eyes, Lumi beads, Lazer Lights etc etc, open up endless possibilities. We've moved on a deal from Flectolite and fluorescent wool.

---------- Post added at 09:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 PM ----------

Originally Posted by ACW

2x size 2 strong hold long shanks joined with platted maxima 15 lb,ah what fun !

I've still got a stock of Yorkshire Stronghold hooks, Size 2!

[midlander]

Yeah, I know Andy, a measly 4 1/2". I used to use the old mustad viking bend lure hooks but gave them up as the points were too long and easily turned. As soon as the Partridge S.E.Bs came out I jumped ship. They're fine up to size 4 but the size 2s are bloody evil.