Tying Instructions |
Materials:
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Notes: Designed by Hal Janssen. Hal got his first inspiration in 1957 as he designed a Marabou Leech for Black Bass based upon an earlier pattern known as the Ozark Bucktail. Later, along the Williamson River in Oregon, Hal encountered leeches and came back to this pattern for the intent of catching trout. A natural leech will collapse into a small ball, then extend 4-5 inches in length when swimming.
By staggering the Marabou wings along the top of the hook shank he got a slender, tapered appearance in which the marabou will flatten and wrap itself around the hook. Marabou will achieve this movement and create a close representation of a natural leech.
The proper selection of Marabou is critical. Use the fully barbed flues found along the middle of mature plume quills. These flues should be long, 3-4 inches if possible. The Marabou Leech is a very effective pattern for the Sierra Nevada. With its pulsation motion (due to the Marabou), fish find this fly very attractive. Krystal Flash strands are sometimes used over the front wing. The body is a thread wrap over the hook shank securing the tag ends of the marabou to the top of the shank. Try to keep the amount of Marabou used to a minimum, 6-8 flues for the tail and wings. However, fully barbed flues may be difficult to find, even on plume marabou. If so, increase the number of flues until you get your desired effect. Once wet, the marabou will appear much thicker. The pattern should also be weighted, 8-15 turns of leadfree wire wrapped along the front half of the hook shank or you can use a bead. |
Variations: |
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Claret Marabou Leech |
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Olive Brown Marabou Leech |
Materials: (To Order Materials, click the link)
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Olive Marabou Leech |
Materials: (To Order Materials, click the link)
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Crawdad Orange Marabou Leech |
Materials: (To Order Materials, click the link)
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