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How to Tie Fly for Shad

Shad live in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Mature fish can grow to about two feet, making them a worthy catch for a fisherman. You can catch shad with a fly-fishing set-up or with the average reel. Several different types of flies catch shad. This fly is uncomplicated and effective. The fly hovers right above the substrate, where schools of shad accumulate. Because of its relative simplicity, this fly is a decent choice for an intermediate fly fisherman.

Things You'll Need

Fly-tying kit, including vise and thread bobbin
Pliers
TMC 5263 or TMC 777SP hook
White Danville 210 thread
White marabou feathers
Red UTC 70
Gloss coat
Scissors
Whip-finishing tool

Instructions

- 1
  Take one marabou feather and place it against the shank of the hook. Rim the feather alongside the shank and just past it (about a half-inch). This makes a fluffy "tail."
- 2
  Tie the feather down with the thread, moving about halfway up the shank.
- 3
  With pliers, twist any part of the feather that isn't part of the tail. Cut this off, leaving just the tail.
- 4
  Place two longer marabou feathers on the hook shank so they point opposite the tail. Tie down the feathers, doubling back around until you meet where you tied down the tail.
- 5
  Leave the white thread hanging in the back. Close to the "head," tie a bit of the red thread over the white thread that is holding the marabou down. Use a whip-finishing tool to tie down the red.
- 6
  Fold the two marabou feathers over themselves, creating a small bulge over the hook. Wrap the thread a few times around the tip of the bulge to secure it, then use the whip-finishing tool to finish it.
- 7
  Paint gloss coat along the bottom to make the fly durable.

Nature