Hook: Partridge Spider #16
Tail: Pale dun cock hackle fibres
Thread: Orange 14/0 Sheer
Abdomen &Thorax: Mahogany brown Superfine dubbing
Wing: Fl yellow TMC aero dry wing
Hackle: Pale dun cock hackle
I’ve be using is the little tinker for about 10 years now and aside from hook model it’s changed little from those early days. The original traded on three carefully place microfibbets…is that one ‘T’ or two ‘Ts’ in fibbet(t)? However, I don’t agonise over separating tailing fibres anymore as many spinners are often missing a tail filament or two. Instead, a few cock hackle fibres are arranged in a bedraggled bunch that when wet simply mat together, just as you’d find on the real McCoy.
Designed as a low riding imitation the important feature is an obvious wing post, which is where the fluorescent yellow TMC aero dry wing comes in. This stuff really stands out in poor light, so you’re aware of your fly’s whereabouts and how it behaves in relation to current lanes. Sure, spinners tied with poly yarn wings work a treat, but they’re a bugger to see, especially at dusk.
Short in short shank length the Partridge Spider Hook is perfectly suited for tying B-WO spinner patterns though the shank is “cranked” al a Stuart Crofts’ spinner. Viewed from beneath, you can clearly see the parachute hackle has been clipped fore and aft to leave sideways fibres that represent the splayed wings of a spent natural…a neat job.
~The same pattern viewed from above…just the job for tempting trout sipping down spent spinners…
Below: Dressed on the Partridge Spider Hook this alternative utilises Medallion Wing Sheeting for that crucifix profile. Both durable and flexible, Medallion Sheeting makes for life like wings that even crumple to take on that spent look. Though you’re totally reliant on the TMC yarn to float this pattern, ideal on smooth, gentle glides…not so clever where faster flows exist, which tend to swamp the fly. I did try incorporating CdC fibres, but these make for a fussy looking imitation. All that said, it’s been absolute dynamite on idle, oily like surfaces where trout have an age deciding on whether to take a fly or not!
From above…Medallion Wing looks the business