How to tie the Natural Roe & Claret Hedgehog
NATURAL ROE & CLARET HEDGEHOG Hook: Size 10-14 Kamasan B170 or 175 Thread: Claret Wing: Natural roe Body & Head: Claret seal's fur
Fix a size 12 medium weight wet-fly hook in the vice and run claret tying thread along the shank. Take a pinch of medium claret seal's fur, or a substitute, and offer it up to the thread.
Dub the fur between finger and thumb to form a short rope. Applying a little tying wax to the thread first can help the process. Wind on a few turns of the fur to form the first body section.
Next, remove a small bunch of deer hair from its skin and, ensuring that the tips are level, secure it in place with a few thread wraps so that it projects over the top of the first body section.
Lock the deer hair in place with a few tight thread wraps then trim off the waste ends. Next, dub on a second pinch of claret seal's fur and apply two full turns to form the second body section.
Add a third bunch of deer hair in exactly the same way as the previous along with another body section of claret fur.
Repeat the process working toward the eye to create a layered effect. Each wing should slope back at the same angle.
The final wing is positioned a short distance back from the eye to leave enough room for a small seal’s fur head.
Once the wing has been secured with tight thread wraps carefully trim off the waste ends of the deer hair.
Stroke the deer hair back a little so that it slopes back nicely. Next, dub on a small pinch of the claret seal’s fur to form a thin yarn and apply a couple of turns at the wing base.
To complete, cast off the tying thread at the eye with a secure whip finish then apply a small drop of clear varnish to the exposed thread turns.
TYING SEQUENCE & PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER GATHERCOLE
