Ribbonfly

1. To start, you will need a six inch long piece of wide, wired ribbon (fairly plain). Fold it in half and cut out a body in the shape of a fish. Depending on the ribbon, you may be able to cut two out, one from the top and another from the bottom.

This fly is based upon an American pattern that I liked the look of. I haven't tried it yet - I'm looking forward to testing it this summer - but I liked both the tail and the profile of the body. My own feeling is that it is going to catch in UK waters but we shall have to wait and see. I will let you know how I get on!

2. Wrap a piece of long goat hair around the fold in the wire. Pull it tight, clamp it with a pair of hackle pliers and dab superglue on to hold it in position permanently. Wait for it to dry. When it is, cut the hair to look like the tail of a fish.

3. At this point, use a permanent marker to decorate the sides of the ribbon.

4. Tie the neck of the fly to a stainless steel saltwater hook. (I used a size 1/0 but I think size 1 or 2 would work just as well.)

5. Add some long, coloured goat hair to the back of the fly and some shorter, white goat hair to the base. Tie off and, if you like, add a metallic tinsel overwrap. Glue on a pair of eyes and then seal both eyes and the thread with a layer of epoxy resin. (Hint: You will need a fly turner to prevent the epoxy sagging while it cures. You could, with a rotary vice, turn it by hand but a fly turner will do a much better job.)