Preventing fouling with articulated flies

[Zach Matthews]

Can someone help me understand the sort of proportional theory on beads in between the hooks in articulated flies such as the Galloup Sex Dungeon?

Do more beads make it less likely the fly will foul? How many do you typically use? Does it matter whether you use stiff nylon versus thinner gauge wire?

I’m wanting to tie some articulated baitfish for stripers but the fouling has been an issue.

Thanks,
Zach

[Drew Morgan]

Zach, I’m new to this forum…thanks for setting all this up and I’m a big fan of your work. I fish and guide on the Tallapoosa for stripers. They move up from the lake into the river around this time of year.

You may do this but I take my thread wraps a good bit into the bend of the hook…about 1/4 of the way into it…when attaching the wire. I feel this gives the articulation a more streamlined look, and it also gives more length to the fly without increasing the length of the wire. This also helps with fouling…less wire = less fouling.

Your question about beads is an interesting one…I’ve always viewed beads as more of a way to space the front and rear shanks…not as a way to prevent fouling. Would like to hear other thoughts on this also.

Drew

Faith, Family, Fishing

[Jeff Smith]

Hey Zach
I use Malin-7 20# test stainless steel wire for my articulated streamers/flies.
It is a strong, thin but somewhat stiff cable designed for making your own steel leaders.
Works great IMHO.
I wrote up my technique in my March 2013 Fly Tying column in the Alberta Outdoorsmen.
I could send you a photo copy if you would like to take a look.
Jeff

[toddarnold]

Tie a small mono loop below the connecting wire. I was having similar issues with feathered game changers and started adding the mono loop and it reduced the fowling with no real affect on fly action.

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