Tuesday, January 28, 2014

The Thin Mint

Swamp Yankee asked for a close-up of the Thin Mint.

Thin Mint
Let me see if I can put together a recipe of sorts since I buy these and don't tie them. (I've tried and they turn out terrible as do most of the flies I tie.


Tungsten Bead Head Thin Mint. Ties like a Wooly Bugger.

Hook - TMC 5262 or 5263 Size 10 or 12
Thread - Black 6/0
Tail - Maribou in Black/Rust/Olive in that order, top to bottom
Flash - Flashabou
Rib - Wrapped first with copper wire and then with Flashabou
Body - Black Crystal Chenille, regular black would probably do.
Hackle - Rust Saddle Hackle
Bead - Tungsten 5/32 Gold

That's the best I can come up with from looking at one.

Now, a little about yesterday's workout. This morning the stupid pill has worn off and both shoulder muscles are extremely sore. Legs are fine when I thought these would be the problem. One more stupid pill should do it and since it's going to (please sit down) start raining tonight and rain through Friday, I think I'll head out early next week and try it again.

Y'all come back.

15 comments:

  1. It ties like a woolly bugger, because it is a woolly bugger. It's just a different color. I wonder how many flies are out there that have their own name, but are just a bugger.

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    Replies
    1. Does it matter what it's called if it catches fish?

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    2. Not in the least, no. Was this fly your creation?

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    3. No. One of the guys at the fly shop I frequent gave one to me and said "It will catch trout". The rest is history.

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  2. Thanks. Looks like a fish catcher. Haven't tied a bugger type of fly since the 80's. Maybe I will revisit it.
    If it catches fish... why not.

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    Replies
    1. Trust me, it catches fish. If you want me to send you one, drop me your address at mkautz@volcano.net.

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  3. Thanks, Mark, for showing the Thin Mint to us. I have heard from you and others that it is a good pattern to have. I have never tied one up, but, do know that Wooly Bugger variations are deadly!

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  4. can never have too many variations of a good fly

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  5. I agree with Blake, and honestly I have the vice out now and am going to give it a try! Headed on a fishing trip this weekend and will see how it does.

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  6. I love how Anonymous people are so free to express their opinions. Who cares what it is called as long as it catches fish.

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  7. Mark
    You mailed me this fly last year, and I can't believe I still have it. In fact you mailed 3 of the these flies and I put them in one of my fly boxes with all my wooly buggers in the storage room---so I'm glad I did that because the thieves didn't go there, so now I have move them to their home, which is a new fly box that I bought the other day. I will using these come spring. Again thanks for sending them to me.

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  8. Yep, that surely does catch fish.

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  9. Mark, I was amazed to see this article as I was literally just fishing that fly today. Thanks again for turning me on to it. I think it is one of the better patterns I've fished in the Smoky Mountains in the summer times and can catch fish on the tailwaters as well.

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  10. I first found this bugger a few years ago on L.L Bean's site and been using it ever since. It's a great fly. Catch a lot trout on it and smallies also. whenever I'm not having luck with other flies this many times has saved the day. I too have tried to tie it but I havne't been able to get it just right. Still works but not quite as nice looking.

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  11. I first found this bugger a few years ago on L.L Bean's site and been using it ever since. It's a great fly. Catch a lot trout on it and smallies also. whenever I'm not having luck with other flies this many times has saved the day. I too have tried to tie it but I havne't been able to get it just right. Still works but not quite as nice looking.

    ReplyDelete