Fly Tying Inventory
Secret Scud
This scud from Spencer Higa of Fly Fish Food imitates the small freshwater crustaceans trout feed on all year. It is built with realism and durability in mind for tailwaters and stillwaters, and it is meant to be fished deep. A hare's ear dubbed underbody sits under wrapped light gray ostrich herl, a clear scud back forms the shell, and silver wire ribs it. A fluorescent orange tungsten bead set into the body stands in for the egg sac, and UV resin finishes the back. Tied here on a size 14 hook.
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Materials
Fulling Mill FM5067 Czech Nymph Heavy Barbless hook, black nickel, size 14
14
Fulling Mill Pro Thread Flat 70 Den, black (or UTC Ultrathread 70 Denier, black)
Black · 70 denier
Fulling Mill Painted Tungsten Beads, fl. orange, 2.0mm, for the egg sac
Fl. Orange · 2.0mm
UTC Ultra Wire, extra small, silver
Silver · Extra Small
Fulling Mill Eco Warrior Dub, hare's ear, for the underbody (or Ultra Nymph Dub)
Hare's Ear
Solarez UV Cure Resin - Bone Dry .5 Oz, for the back
How to Tie the Secret Scud
- 1
Step 1
Slide the fl. orange bead onto the hook, set the hook in the vise and move the bead to about the middle of the shank.
- 2
Step 2
Start the black thread behind the bead and wrap a thread base back to the bend.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in the clear Scud Back at the bend with the long end trailing behind the hook.
- 4
Step 4
Tie in the silver wire and a light gray ostrich herl at the same point and let them hang for now.
- 5
Step 5
Dub the thread with Eco Warrior Dub and build the underbody forward, working past the bead without covering it, up to just behind the eye.
- 6
Step 6
Wrap the ostrich herl forward over the dubbing, past the bead without covering it, to just behind the eye. Tie it off and trim the excess.
- 7
Step 7
Stroke the herl fibers down so they sit along the sides and the top of the body stays clear.
- 8
Step 8
Pull the Scud Back forward over the top of the body and tie it down behind the eye with firm tension.
- 9
Step 9
Spiral the wire forward over the shell in even, open turns up to the eye, tie it off and trim the excess wire and Scud Back.
- 10
Step 10
Whip finish behind the eye and trim the thread.
- 11
Step 11
Apply a thin coat of Solarez Bone Dry along the back and cure it with a UV light.
- 12
Step 12
Trim any long or stray fibers to tidy the outline.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0o7DyKkRhc
Credit: Spencer Higa / Fly Fish Food