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Utah’s Mark Holden wants to know more about the Deceiver:

I am a novice saltwater fly-fisher and am having trouble tying the Deceiver. The bucktail lies flat along the back of the fly, and I can't get it to flare out to form the correct silhouette.

Q __I am a novice saltwater fly-fisher and am having trouble tying Lefty’s Deceiver. The bucktail lies flat along the back of the fly, and I can’t get it to flare out to form the correct silhouette. What am I doing wrong, and where can I get instructions on how to tie it properly?

When tying the Deceiver, many people make the mistake of trying to put the entire bucktail collar on at one time. Instead, what is needed is a three-step operation. First, place some on the far side of the hook while it is in the vise. Then place the bucktail on the near side and then on top.

As for how to tie it, most tying video tapes show only how to tie specific flies. Bob Clouser and I did two tapes that show many steps involved in tying all flies. We showed how to put on tails and wings, handle Mylar, work with bucktail and synthetics, and so forth. Using these two tapes, most people should be able to tie almost any fly. Volume Two covers the tying of both Clousers and Deceivers and can be ordered from Reel Resources, 1600 Prince St., Suite 103, Alexander, VA 22314; 703-683-5666.

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