The 'Spuddler' (Matuka-Sculpin) - Exert from Jim Blakeslee's tying notes
This pattern is a hybrid based on two great fish catchers, the 'Muddler Minnow' - invented by Dan Gapen of Nipigon, Ontario, Canada in the summer of 1948, and the 'Matuka' - a Maori name for the New Zealand Bittern feather streamer fly. Both flies were tied to imitate the flat head bottom dwelling minnow that are a favourite of trout, both in the Northern and Southern hemisphere.
The Muddler was a killer pattern when tied to represent the the 'Cactonie/Muddler/Sculpin' minnow on which huge Brook Trout feed on in the Nipigeon River, and went on to became one of the most effective and popular flies for big trout in North America.
The Matuka exploits the fish-attracting qualities of the soft, mottled bittern feather cleaned up on Lake Taupo Rainbows, and was taken as a 'Bully/Gudgeon/Toupong' minnow on which trout grow to massive sizes.
The name Spuddler comes from a creative cross of the Muddler and another North American streamer, first tied by Dan Bailey, called the Spruce Fly.
The Muddler was a killer pattern when tied to represent the the 'Cactonie/Muddler/Sculpin' minnow on which huge Brook Trout feed on in the Nipigeon River, and went on to became one of the most effective and popular flies for big trout in North America.
The Matuka exploits the fish-attracting qualities of the soft, mottled bittern feather cleaned up on Lake Taupo Rainbows, and was taken as a 'Bully/Gudgeon/Toupong' minnow on which trout grow to massive sizes.
The name Spuddler comes from a creative cross of the Muddler and another North American streamer, first tied by Dan Bailey, called the Spruce Fly.
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HOOK:
WEIGHT: THREAD: RIB: BODY: WING: PECTORAL FINS: HEAD: |
# 6 to 2 long shank streamer hook
Lead or fuse wire wrapped around the shank of the hook prior to starting the thread 6/0 or stronger to allow for spinning of the head 10 cm of tying thread 50/50 natural 'blonde' seal's fur and natural hare mask A pair of hen ring neck pheasant's flank feathers (from under the wind, barred brown) A pair of hen ring neck pheasant neck feathers Antelope hair or deer hair spun and clipped 'Muddler' style |
TYING NOTES:
To tie secure the hook in the vice and wind thread to the bend, leaving approximately 10 cm of the tying thread hanging to rib the fly.
If weighting the fly wind lead along the rear 2/3 of the hook shank, leaving plenty of room at the head of the fly. Wrap thread over the lead to secure it in place.
Dub the seals fur/rabbit mix onto the thread and cover 2/3 of the shank with the dubbing.
Tie in the flank feathers (curved side of the feathers facing inwards). Rib the feathers 'matuka' style using the 10 cm of thread left as a rig to secure the feathers into position.
Tie in the neck feathers (curved side facing outwards).
Stack the antelope/deer hair and tie in and flare a collar 'Muddler' style. Tie in another bunch of hair if necessary.
Trim the head flat on the bottom curved on top.
You're done. Go catch a trout (bream, EP or Mulloway).
To tie secure the hook in the vice and wind thread to the bend, leaving approximately 10 cm of the tying thread hanging to rib the fly.
If weighting the fly wind lead along the rear 2/3 of the hook shank, leaving plenty of room at the head of the fly. Wrap thread over the lead to secure it in place.
Dub the seals fur/rabbit mix onto the thread and cover 2/3 of the shank with the dubbing.
Tie in the flank feathers (curved side of the feathers facing inwards). Rib the feathers 'matuka' style using the 10 cm of thread left as a rig to secure the feathers into position.
Tie in the neck feathers (curved side facing outwards).
Stack the antelope/deer hair and tie in and flare a collar 'Muddler' style. Tie in another bunch of hair if necessary.
Trim the head flat on the bottom curved on top.
You're done. Go catch a trout (bream, EP or Mulloway).
