Bendback help

[ebroesicke]

I am pretty new to saltwater fly tying, and I saw the "ultimate Shrimp" posted a while back on a different forum. So far i have tried 3 or 4 times to make one, but I can never get them to ride hook point up...i have been testing them in my pool and the best I can get is a sideways drift to the bottom. any thoughts would be appreciated...

[OneMoreCast]

The wrap of partridge (for the legs) and the craft fur act as the wing (antenna). Make sure to angle them properly... about a 45 degree angle going away from the bend. For the first few flies...and this specific problem... I'd suggest going a little heavy on the antenna assembly.... this will help the hook ride up.
Last thing... don't use a super heavy (thick diameter) hook. You're adding weight that you are going to have to counter.

[ebroesicke]

Thanks.. I am tying on the Gamakatsu sp11-3L3h, I was considering even trying a light wire freshwater hook, just to see if i could get this thing to work..thanks for the tips. back to the vice!!!!

[OneMoreCast]

I always used the tiemco 811s
I think the gami's might work. Just keep in mind that the material will displace the water. Something else to consider is the knot our are tying on the fly. I'd avoid a clinch knot.
It's an incredible pattern.