Longer shank like streamer type? I think I heard that you’re trying to get by without articulations in the body.
Sort of. With the above, I tied most of the materials on the shank of the hook, then tied a shorter shank off the bend to connect the tail to. I also tied some materials to that shank (which inhibits water flow over the tail. That back shank is what I think I need to lengthen and tie less stuff on it, just have it be for the tail. I'll try to shoot some pics of some of that process once we get back from 5 days in the Wallowa's (leaving tomorrow!).
Yeah, my most recent 8-9" flies, I've tied just on the Ahrex TP 4/0 hooks and they move really really well. Just experimenting with these tails.