SBS Carnage Hopper (gallows variation)

[Scottp]

Originally posted this SBS in 2016; updated here to remove the P-Bucket logo on the photos. The first Carnage flies i tied were based on Adam Trina’s original design - tying the foam body on a waxed needle and transferring to a hook. They worked very well (first fish I ever caught on one was a 12” squawfish on Ashley Creek in Kalispell, MT, whose rise would have made a west slope cutt proud) but mine were very fragile and usually good for 1 fish. I finally got a handle on the fly, using the mono tied on the hook instead of the needle and came up with an easier and much more durable version.

 

[Scottp]

Switched to 20lb mono for the core; after a few mis-fires, came up with an easier way to wrap the foam body, adding a bit of bulk as well. Normally for bulletheads, I tie the ungulate hair in first but it got in the way of the body sequence; as long as you leave sufficient room up front, it's easy enough to spin a proper head. Tie an underwing if you want - turkey feather, yarn, foam, landsacpe fabric, etc; I haven't found any fish that really care so I leave them off. Change colors/sizes to suit your needs.

hook - Dai Riki 135 #8
thread - UTC 140 tan
core - 20lb mono
body - 2mm foam tan
wing/head - deer hair
legs - medium rubber cornsnake
indicator - 1mm foam orange

Part 1

put a loop in the end of a piece of mono

mash barb, start thread, tie in the mono

tie in a tapered strip of foam; hook the mono on the gallows

brush Super Glue on the mono; wrap the foam up the core (use a bit of tension)

brush on a little more glue and wrap back down; finish with a turn or two on the hook shank; tie off/trim

trim away mono

clean, stack, measure (body length) a clump of deer hair

 

[Scottp]

Part 2

trim butts; take 2 soft loops right behind hook eye

pull tight and let it spin; trim butts

push deer hair (try to distribute evenly around the hook)

sweep hair back, capture with 2 more soft loops; pull tight

add legs & indicator; half hitch x 2, SHHAN

trim out hair underneath

there you go

Regards,
Scott