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The Kelpie Diver

Trevor Salmon

Ever thought about fly fishing for pike, well here is a step by step guide to tying a diving fly.  The Kelpie Diver.

1. Whip from eye towards hook level with point, back towards eye, stop 1/4" from eye.

2. Cut about 6" wire for guard, ( old guitar 'G' string is perfect ) fold in half, fold 30 deg. 1/8" long at loop end. Hook loop over barb, pass tails through eye and fold along shank, trim to 1/4". Fold guard out of way, whip tails to shank, whip back towards hook and tie off. Soak all whipping with glue.

3. Cut about 8" coloured Flashabou, whip centre to tail, fold to form tail, ( or use 2 tips of Marabou feather ) whip and tie off. Soak whipping with glue.  (see below)

4. Cut about 4" Tinsel Flashabou, whip to tail and tie off. (see below)

5. Cut 4" Curly Hair, whip in front of last whipping over tail. (see below)

6. Cut section of Deer Hair, comb out fluff from base, whip centre of hair in front of tail. Base of hair towards eye of hook. Fold back front hair, whip in front, tie off and soak whipping with glue. 

7. Hold back first hair section and repeat process until eye is reached. Knot off and soak whipping knot with glue.

8. Trim bottom of hair flat and level close to shank. 

9. Trim front in cone shape about 1/4" to form head and trim loose hair over head but not towards rear. The head can be built up with epoxy and an eye added if required.

10. Soak underbody hair with glue to form hard "platform". (see below)

11. Trim tail and any loose fibres, set weed guard. (see below)