Higa's S.O.S.

Materials

How to Tie the Higa's S.O.S.

1. 1

   Step 1

   Place the tungsten bead on the hook and secure in the vise. Start the thread behind the bead and wrap a smooth base to the bend.

   Crush the barb before adding the bead for easier placement.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Select 3-6 pheasant tail fibers and tie them in at the bend as a short tail, about half the shank length.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in the small silver wire at the tail tie-in point for ribbing.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Wrap the thread forward in smooth, touching wraps to form a slender, tapered body up to the thorax area.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Counter-wrap the silver wire forward in evenly spaced wraps to rib the body, then tie off and trim.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in the red rayon floss on top of the shank at the thorax area, leaving enough to fold back later as a wingcase.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Dub a slightly bulky thorax with black squirrel dubbing or Ice Dub, creating a distinct contrast from the slim body.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Tie in two strands of black Krystal Flash on each side of the thorax as legs, angling them rearward.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Pull the red floss wingcase forward over the thorax, secure behind the bead, and trim the excess.

   Apply a thin coat of UV resin over the wingcase for extra durability and shine.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Build a small thread head behind the bead, whip finish, and apply head cement.