Steelhead articulated fly-tying question

[Jeff Hale]

I recently saw a fly a guy tied using a small, black barrel swivel connected to the front hook via a very short, stout piece of 80 pound dacron. The bend of the front hook was cut off, and the barrel swivel was tied very closely to the front hook. The fly was tied "in the round' leech style with cross-cut rabbit fur and was attached to a Siwash hook, also tied in the round with rabbit. It looked really good and the back part of the fly wiggled like crazy. The two sections of the fly flowed together and you had to really look closely to tell that there were two distinct sections. My only question is whether the back hook would have any deficiencies with respect to hooking a fish because it is free to spin because of the swivel. This guy liked it and said he could switch out the back hooks easily because they were siwash. Anyone ever see or use this pattern? Opinions? Thanks, Jeff

[Philster]

Lots of ways to do this. I like Jack Cooks general approach, and his use of materials. Elegant, and flow-y (I know, not a word), and the appearance of substantial profile without tons of heavy materials to hurt casting and sinking characteristics. Go to
http://www.flyfishwa.com/ Hit the Irish Angler link on the right side of the page, then tying instructions link, then under Shrimp/Squid Patterns of the Pacific Northwest look at some of those patterns. he does alot, with a little, which will get you far in life no matter what you are doing... I wish I could give you a direct link, but his site doesn't work that way... Oh, and you don't have to use a waddington, you can tie on a front hook and snip the point just like the one you are describing, but a waddington adds a touch of class if you can afford it and like that kind of thing.

[obiwankanobi]

Jeff,

The pattern you are describing sounds much like a "snake" style fly that consists of a hook, swivel, mono/dacron backing and shrink tubing. Here is the closest link I can find. I have tied flies in this fashion but prefer to just tie tube flies. http://www.partridge-of-redditch.co.uk/fly-tying/swivelsnakefly.htm

Bob

[Jeff Hale]

Thanks Phil and thanks Obi. Much appreciated. Jeff