Tadpole (Plain) and adapted as a lure for sea fishing

Start by slipping on a gold bead and then trap the thread by winding it back on itself.

This fly is best fished close to the bottom with a steady retrieve or mixed up with occasional sharper pulls. When sea fishing, strip it back fairly quickly to give the impression of a small baitfish, especially if you have added a silver or gold underbelly.

Wrap all the way down the shank in tight, touching coils, always working away from yourself.

Tie on a piece of chenille for the body, pulling away a bit of wool from the end to leave the core exposed. This will be easier to trap.

Bring the thread up to right behind the eye, followed by the wool. Tie the wool off with the thread.

Tie on a hackle feather - grizzled is nice - and wind around the hook. (Three turns is more than enough.) Tie off and varnish the thread to finish the fly.

Variations: For a sea fly add some gold krystal flash to the marabou tail. You could also add some mylar (core removed) when you add the wool. Fold it back out of the way, finish the wool body, and then bring it underneath to the head to give a silver or gold belly.