Mallard and Claret

Materials

How to Tie the Mallard and Claret

1. 1

   Step 1

   Start the thread behind the eye and wrap a smooth base back to the bend.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in a small bunch of golden pheasant tippet fibers at the bend for the tail. Bind the butts along the shank and trim.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Tie in the fine gold oval tinsel at the bend for the rib, binding the end along the shank to keep the underbody smooth.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Return the thread to the bend. Dub a thin layer of claret Seal X Dub onto the thread and wind it forward to form a slim, slightly tapered body, stopping short of the eye.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Wind the gold rib forward in open, evenly spaced turns. Tie it off and trim the excess.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Prepare a claret hen feather and tie it in by the tip at the front of the body.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Wind a few turns of hen hackle, tie it off and trim the stem. Sweep the fibers back so they lie along the body and leave room on top for the wing.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Cut a section of bronze mallard and fold or pair it so it forms a neat, even wing with the tips together.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Set the mallard on top of the shank so it slopes back over the body, and secure it with a pinch-and-loop wrap. Add a few more firm turns and trim the butts.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Form a small, neat head, whip finish and add a coat of varnish.