Phill's Fly-Tying
Golden Wonder
The Golden Wonder was devised as an all round wet fly that could be used in a variety of situations. In designing it, Mike was looking for something that offered a vague outline that would arouse a fish’s curiosity, a fly that would not look too obvious in clear water. Although it’s unlikely to double the number of fish you are likely to catch, it will often pick up fish in difficult conditions. Use it as a point fly in a team, or fish it singly. Retrieve it slow or fast, and it also works on the drop. Successful fly patterns in brackish water are few and far between, but the Golden Wonder works well in different sizes for all saltwater fish.
Materials:
Hook: Standard Wet Size 10 - 14
Thread: Red Uni-Thread
Tail: Two Strands of Pearl Crystal
Rib: Silver Wire
Body: Pearl Lurex
Hackle: Golden Pheasant Topping
Tying Details:
Step 1.
Cover the hook shank with silk between points A and B. Point A is a little back from the hook eye and B at the bend of the hook, or where you want the body of the fly to end. At point A, tie in two strands of crystal hair. If you cut the material square beforehand, you wont need to trim it once it’s tied in (this applies to all materials). Hold the tail material taut with the left thumb and forefinger and tie it in by winding the silk to B. Return the silk to A.
Step 2.
Tie in the body and rib again at A. Wind the silk to B, trapping the materials in as you go.
Step 3.
Make extra turns at B to secure the tail, body and ribbing before returning to A. By using this technique you achieve a smooth underbelly; a very strong foundation; and last but not least, it is much easier than tying in all the materials at B in the conventional manner.
Step 4.
Wind the body and rib and secure.
Step 5.
Tie in a golden Pheasant topping by the quill with the convex side of the feather facing the body. This is most important as it aids winding.
Step 6.
Wind the hackle using your fingers, giving between one and three turns. Secure by taking the silk through the hackle and finish