Cool mouse pattern I tried

[vakayakangler]

I had to search for a source for the lead tape, and luckily ran into a fellow tyer at the Va Fly Fishing Festival that specializes in Dubbing. (Jack's Tackle) He sent me a couple sections. I will be ordering one of his starter kit's of his secialty dubbing and will post it up when it comes in!

Here is my third attempt at the Hood Rat. It was a learning process during the first two ties, but in the future I also think I will make some small changes, as suggested. I like the idea of changing the tail to lacing, but I also thought of adding some back legs in the tie to give it just a bit more action in the water. It was a fun tie, and by far the most complicated I have attempted so far.

If I can't get out on the water to test 'er in the near future, I'll let Miss T throw it at Martha... THAT should be an explosion.

[scootermsp]

Looks good. Looks even better in the water. I picked up some rawhide laces and light tan foam. I plan to tie size 10s for now and then start to go a bit larger as the water warms up. What weight flyrod are you planning on using and what size is that you tied?

[vakayakangler]

Looks good. Looks even better in the water. I picked up some rawhide laces and light tan foam. I plan to tie size 10s for now and then start to go a bit larger as the water warms up. What weight flyrod are you planning on using and what size is that you tied?

I think the hooks are 1/0 and 2/0 I have been using, we have to throw big hooks where we fish..

I plan to get the laces too, I have no problems following the recommendations of those who have learned from actual testing. My next mouse tie will be Tina's pond mouse, I had great success with it last year throwing it in the "pond" and it will let me work with deer hair. Another skill I want to add since I am a very limited newbie right now as far as tying goes.

I plan to throw these guys on the 6wt at the pond, on the 7wt on the river. (GAR are not too kind to 6wts, they broke one on me last year. ) 4' of muscle... Lot of fun while he was on the line and running though!

The big fella smashed a messenger frog and destroyed it, had the rod singing, and broke a 20 pound mono leader, tied straight to the frog with no tippet.

What a rush... I think the GAR and the Smallies will hit these guys.

[vakayakangler]

One other change I just remembered. I changed the tying technique slighty in the last rat. I started using thin strips of foam to build the body bulk rather than chennile for two reasons:

The scraps of foam are cheaper than the chennile (I think?)
and (more importantly) they will help the rat float better than the chennile would...

I also found that I like the looks of the finished rat better if I thicken up the body more than the original vid shows. Fat Rat? Yup, looks tasty.

[TheCream]

Forgot to mention that the chenille tail was stripped down to black tread rather quickly. I may look for some thin rawhide shoe laces to do the tail with. Any better ideas for the tail Cream?

The Ultra Chenille I used never stripped like that. But I actually did pick up some leather lace, and tied a few with that last week.

[TheCream]

Just to add a couple of other things:

1. I have not used lead tape on any of mine yet and have had no issues with the fly "righting itself" in the water. I might not be using as much foam, and maybe that's why I don't need the lead? Anyway, haven't used it, haven't needed it. And

2. I tried a few patterns with black rear legs tied in made up of two strands of medium black rubber leg material, and I don't think they add much to the pattern. I couldn't really see them on the water, and in my opinion aren't worth the extra step.

[scootermsp]

Just to add a couple of other things:

1. I have not used lead tape on any of mine yet and have had no issues with the fly "righting itself" in the water. I might not be using as much foam, and maybe that's why I don't need the lead? Anyway, haven't used it, haven't needed it. And

2. I tried a few patterns with black rear legs tied in made up of two strands of medium black rubber leg material, and I don't think they add much to the pattern. I couldn't really see them on the water, and in my opinion aren't worth the extra step.

Thank you and also I enjoyed your fishing videos. I'll try a different chenille. Haven't fished with the Leather tail yet. I sliced the lace lengthwise because it's too thick as is. I can't wait to use the larger versions from my kayak. I have been using 16# flourocarbon tippet and had no spooking problems. The fish that will hammer this won't spook easily.

[vakayakangler]

The Fatter look for mine.... I added the legs and didn't like the look and took them out. I can't wait to see how the rats fish...

[scootermsp]

I'll bet you that orange mouse works better in the chop than the original. Let us know how you did with that color. If it works I'll try chartreuse. By the way nice Nor-Vice, I've been eyeballing them.

[vakayakangler]

I just started tying, and with the challenges, Tina was looking on line for a rotating vise and found Norm Norlander's Nor-Vise. I have to say... it has been a blessing. I love it. I ordered the accessory head for it for the smaller hooks and tie the brassies and caddis flies on that, and all the small flies that call for fat fingers to have access. Although you can tie them on the standard head, it's easier to get around the other head. The vise makes it much easier for me, especially since the time I can spend sitting at the vise is limited to short sets. The speed at which you can do certain tasks on this thing is so sweet, It's amazing.