Chum Slick Swimmer – Ben Treppa

Ben is preparing to do some shark fishing and came up with this tube fly he named the Chum Slick Swimmer. It can be used for other predator fish too. Enjoy!

: Set up your tube fly holder for your vise. This is a cheaper alternative to getting one specifically made by your vise manufacturer. It works so-so. If you are tying a lot of tube flies I recommend something better.

: Select your tube and hook holder. The tube is generally fairly stiff and the hook holder is a soft silicone tube designed to hold the hook eye. For this SBS I used a smaller tube then Id like because I had it in green which is easier to see for demonstrative purposes.

: Connect the hard and soft tube like so. Trim soft tube to a size big enough to easily fit hook eye. The tube can be left long and trimmed later. You can see in this picture the “pin” from the tube fly holder through the tube set-up.

: Slide pin into tube fly holder, secure tightly.

: Secure silicone tubing with your thread. Add a dab or two of superglue for extra security.

: Select your material. There are a multitude of synthetic and natural fibers you could use. I chose to use a product called Kanekalon. It is actually a “wig” hair that can be purchased in HUGE hanks for a few dollars. Lots of material for a little bit of money!!

: Cut your first clump of fiber to the length you chose. Taper it slightly and tie directly on top of the tube. Work thread forward about 1/2″ then trim excess fiber. Add a drop of glue for security (you should get in the habit of doing this after each step).

: Follow the process outlined in the previous step on the bottom and both sides of the tube. Spread the fibers a bit with your fingers to get coverage around the tube.

: Move thread forward about 1/4 inch. Select another clump of fiber about the same length as the last. Taper it with your hands and tie onto the top of the tube. Work thread forward a 1/4 inch or so. Instead of trimming the fibers fold them rearward and tie down. Do this on the bottom and sides of the tube.

: Fibers folded rearward as described.

: Select flash. I used a red flash-a-bou for this particular fly. Ice wing fiber blends a bit better, its just isn’t long as id like like. When tying in leave a little bit of forward of the thread. Fold rearward and tie down. This will secure the flash.

: Cut a long piece of fiber from your hank. It should be a little less then double the length of the fly at this point. Taper, tie in near the middle, and fold excess fiber rearward as we have done in previous steps. Secure down and add a drop of glue. Once again, do this on the bottom and sides of the tube.