Tying Instructions: Czech Catnip

1. Select a Tungsten Bead to fit the hook size. On this TMC 2499sp-bl size 10 hook, I am using a 1/16" Black Tungsten Bead onto the hook. Attach the hook to the vise at the base of the hook curve. Do not pinch the point.
Step One
2. Use 6-7 lead wraps behind the bead to fill the bead cavity and increase the weight. Shove the lead wraps up against the cavity of the bead.
Step Two
3. Attach the thread to the hook shank behind the lead wraps and build a thread dam to lock the wraps into place. Apply thread wraps over the lead to secure the lead wraps even more.
Step Three
4. Next build a thread foundation along the shank of the hook ending about one thrid down the curve where the body will end. You do not want to extend the body too much as this will decrease the gap of the hook .
Step Four
5. Attach a piece of Monofilment for ribbing. I am using Fine Larva Lace Nylon thread. Secure the ribbing to the top of the hook shank with thread wraps up to the lead.
Step Five
6. Clip a segment of Thin Skin in which the width of the slip is about 2/3 the hook gap. Trim the end of the slip to a point and secure this point to the top of the hook shank behind the lead.
Step Six
7. Continue to secure the shellback down to the end of the body. The material should envelope over the shank evenly.
Step Seven
8. Attach a piece of Micro Polar Chenille for a body to the shank with the exposed thread core of the chenille. The chenille should be secured all the way to the end of the body.
Step Eight
9. Wrap the chenille forward using your thumb and finger to brush back the mylar fibers so the that the wraps do not trap the fibers. Each wrap should touch the previous wrap for an even body..
Step Nine
10. Wrap up to the lead wraps leaving room to attach the thorax chenille behind the bead. Secure the body chenille tag end with thread wraps and trim.
Step Ten
11. Attach the thorax chenille behind the bead with thread wraps.
Step Eleven
12. Place about 3-4 wraps, brushing back the fibers, and secure with thread wraps behind the bead. Trim off the tag end.
Step Twelve
13. Trim off the fibers from the top of the body and thorax. The shellback material will cover this area and will fit better without the fibers.
Step Thirteen
14. Bring the Shellback (Thin Skin) material over the top of the body and thorax and secure with a few thread wraps behind the bead.
Step Fourteen
15. Next, wrap the ribbing forward with evenly spaced wraps. Oscillate the ribbing back and forth to reduce any trapping of the mylar fibers. I have placed about 5 wraps for this body. Secure the ribbing behind the bead with thread wraps and trim off the remaining tag end.
Step Fifteen
16. Lift up the tag end of the shellback and place a couple of thread wraps in front of this material to pinch it upright. Trim this material as close to the body as possible.
Step Sixteen
171. Additional thread wraps will help to push the trimmed end of the sheelback behind the bead. Apply a Whip Finish.
Step Seventeen
18. Any fibers that have been caught by the ribbing can be free by the use of a dubbing brush.
Step Eighteen
19. The finished Chartreuse Czech Catnip.
Step Nineteen

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