Apologies for the delay with this step x step (and for some out of focus photos..oops). Are there faster, easier top water flies to tie? Absolutely, but there is something about working with wood that attracts me to these.
Ingredients
Hook: Gamakatsu B10S number 8 hooks
Thread: Flat waxed nylon
1/4 inch x1/4 inch balsa wood
Craft knife
Emery Boards
Nail Polish
5 minute epoxy
Chartreuse round rubber legs
Orange loco legs
Body: Crystal Chenille
Tail: Hot pink Marabou
Dremel engraving piece
1. Measure a 1 cm piece of balsa wood and carefully cut with the craft knife.
2. Start shaping the popper. Commence by working the top edges down on a 45 degree angle towards the tail. Round the edges on the top and down the sides.
3. Use the Emery Board to complete the shaping and to also smooth the finish
4. Use the Craft knife to cut down the underside of the popper...make sure this is centred as the hook will sit in this groove.
5. Use the Dremel engraving piece to create the cup face of the popper. Take your time as the wood is soft.
6. Lay a base of thread, whip finish and attache the popper to the hook, ensuring it's psoition is correct.
7. Apply 5 minute epoxy on the hook shank and slot to secure the hook.
8. Lay the base colour of nail polish. You will need several layers to achieve a block colour. In this case I used Fluro yellow.
9. Use a nail to add the eyes
10. Use the tip of the nail to add detail to the body. I've use a sort of brown trout pattern on this. I like red or orange on the cup so you can track the popper. Once painted, epoxy the body.
11. Lay a base of thread and tie in the pink marabou tail.
12. Add a couple of loco legs to each side of the marabou...these materials add a lot of action on the pause.
13. Tie in the Chartreuse Crystal chenille, wrap forward half way up the shank.
14. Tie in 2 Fluro yellow round rubber legs and wind Chenille through this. Whip finsh and add head cement.