Fly Tying Inventory
Graffam's Hustler
Graffam's Hustler is Josh Graffam's soft hackle jig nymph, a general-use pattern that can be tied as light or as heavy as you like. The original uses an offset tungsten bead to reach maximum depth, and a regular slotted bead works too. It has a proven competition record, and the hare's ear body, CDC collar and peacock black head keep it natural looking with only a little flash. Umpqua offers it in light and dark versions. Tied here on a size 14 hook.
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Materials
Fasna Off-Set Bead Tungsten, gold, 2.8mm (or Fulling Mill Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 3.2mm, or Hanak Round+ Slotted Tungsten Beads, gold, 3.0mm)
Gold · 2.8mm
Hareline Dubbin, hare's ear (or SLF Spikey Squirrel Dubbing, natural fox)
Hare's Ear
Fly Fish Food "Duck Butt" CDC, dark gray dun (or Nature's Spirit CDC, medium slate dun)
Dark Gray Dun
Ice Dub, peacock black
Peacock Black
How to Tie the Graffam's Hustler
- 1
Step 1
Slide the gold bead onto the jig hook, seat it at the eye and mount the hook in the vise.
- 2
Step 2
Start the black thread behind the bead and wrap a base back to the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in a small bunch of dark pardo Coq de Leon fibers at the bend for the tail. Bind the butts along the shank and trim any excess.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in the opalescent tinsel at the base of the tail, leaving it trailing to the rear.
- 5
Step 5
Dub the thread with hare's ear and wrap a slim body forward, stopping short of the bead to leave room for the collar and head.
- 6
Step 6
Wrap the tinsel forward over the dubbing in open turns for the rib. Tie it off at the front of the body and trim the excess.
- 7
Step 7
Form a dubbing loop at the front of the body.
- 8
Step 8
Gather the dark gray dun CDC fibers in a clip, set them in the loop and spin the loop into a rope.
- 9
Step 9
Wrap the CDC rope as a collar, stroking the fibers back with each turn. Tie it off and trim the excess.
- 10
Step 10
Dub a little peacock black Ice Dub on the thread and wrap a small head between the collar and the bead.
- 11
Step 11
Whip finish behind the bead and trim the thread.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ5IB1ko7_8
Credit: Josh Graffam / Fly Fish Food