The Xmas tinsel streamer
Flies don't come more tight arse than an Xmas tinsel pike streamer. With Đ„10,00 down at my local supermarket, 2 days after Christmas, I bought the entire stock of gold, silver and holographic tinsel and have enough to now last me a lifetime. This is an easy fly to tie and is extremely effective especially in murky water conditions, and will catch you plenty of pike.
Slide 2 plastic beads on to the hook shaft. One can make small balls with chenille but I like to use beads for two reasons. Firstly the beads form a more solid base to tie against and secondly they are rather buoyant and so give the fly a little more elevation in the water. Start by wrapping cotton at the back of the hook near the bend, just enough so the bead can slide over it. Place a dab of super glue on it and slide bead over. Let set
Take a decent clump of around 20 strands silver Xmas tinsel 300 mm long and wrap 他 around the hook shaft and tie on directly in front of the bead.
Fold back over itself and make secure. I like to place a half hitch here and add a dab of superglue.
Turn vise over and take a clump of gold Xmas tinsel and tie on directly in front of the 1st silver tie in point. Fold over itself, half hitch and add a dab of superglue.
Turn vise back over and repeat step 2 except with this clump make it 270 mm long.
Run cotton along the hook shaft. I used Varnished French tinsel for this but anything will do.
Place a dab of superglue towards the end and slide bead over and wait to set hard. You should have a space between the bead & the hook eye of around 8 -10 mm.
Take a clump of Gold tinsel around 40 strands 200 mm long and repeat steps 2 & 3. Whip finish and add a dab of head cement.
One doesn't have to but for those that like to see eyes on their flies I stuck a couple of gold 3D eyes on and then Bug-bonded over them. www.bug-bond.moonfruit.com