This original interpretation of a grasshopper is a versatile pattern for late
summer trout or bass.
I recommend an extra long shank hook in the 6 to 10 size range for trout, or a
long shank in the 2 to 6 size range for bass.
I have used a kevlar thread for visibility in the pictures but would usually tie
this with clear mono thread.
List of materials:
Body: Fox squirrel tail
Wings: Turkey tail feather
Eyes: Plastic bead chain
Legs: Ostrich feather
Thorax/head: Dark color dubbing
Picture # 1. Start your thread and lock it onto the hook shank leaving the
working end near the bend.
Picture # 2. Stack a 1/4" wide bundle of squirrel tail hair and tie
it in with the tips just past the hook bend. Wrap the thread up the hair
to the hook eye.
Picture # 3. Double the hair back over the top and tie it down smooth to the shank to create thickness to the body.
Picture # 4. Trim off the excess length of the doubled hair.
Picture # 5. Tie in the bead chain eyes. Substitute mono with burned tips.
Picture # 6. Tie in the Turkey tail wings over the sides of the back. Secure to the body with a drop of clear adhesive.
Picture # 7. Tie in the legs. Short sections tied in an overhand knot for the front legs and long doubled over ostrich for the rear legs. Substitute rubber legs for ease.
Picture # 8. Optional dubbing to cover the thread on the thorax and build up the head.