Fly Tying Inventory
Barely Legal
An articulated rabbit strip streamer that delivers maximum movement with a long, flowing profile. The dual rabbit strip construction creates an incredibly lifelike swimming action that larger trout find irresistible, especially in deeper pools and runs.
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Materials
Stinger hook (Gamakatsu B10S), size 2-6
Streamer hook (TMC 300), size 1/0-4
Articulated shank (Flymen Fish-Skull) or Beadalon wire
Olive or tan 3/0 (210 denier)
Rabbit zonker strip, olive or tan, extending well past rear hook
Rabbit zonker strip continued forward as body on both sections
Holographic Flashabou, 6-8 strands at junction
Conehead or sculpin helmet on front hook
How to Tie the Barely Legal
- 1
Step 1
Mount the rear stinger hook in the vise. Tie in a long rabbit zonker strip at the bend, leaving 2+ inches trailing as the tail.
Use a cross-cut strip for more movement or a standard strip for a sleeker profile.
- 2
Step 2
Wrap or secure the rabbit strip forward on the rear hook. Add Flashabou at the junction point.
- 3
Step 3
Create the articulated connection: form a Beadalon wire loop through the rear hook eye with a bead spacer, or use an articulated shank.
- 4
Step 4
Mount the front hook with conehead in the vise. Secure the articulation loop at the rear of the front shank.
- 5
Step 5
Continue the rabbit strip or start a new strip at the junction, wrapping forward on the front hook shank.
Blend junction materials so there is no visible gap between sections.
- 6
Step 6
Add flash along the sides at the front section.
- 7
Step 7
Secure the rabbit strip behind the conehead. Build a thread head, whip finish, and apply head cement.
- 8
Step 8
Pick out any fibers trapped by wraps and ensure the strips flow freely for maximum undulation.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcfbUUntmEU
Credit: Modern articulated design