Tying the Bendback
Instruction by Caradoc Jones
The bendback is an easy to tie and effective fly that can be tied in many colour combinations or styles, particularly along the lines of the deceiver and clouser. A slight bend placed about one quarter the length of the shank behind the eye is all that is needed to make this fly suprisingly weedless.
The description given below is for tying the classic bendback pattern.
Step 1. Bend hook approximately 1/4 shank length behind eye
Step 2. Tie in a sparse bunch of bucktail, about 1.5 to 2 times the length of the shank
Step 3. Tie in 2 to 3 strands of crystal flash (sparkle flash, or any other desired flash material)
Step 4. Tie in another sparse bunch of buncktail, the same length as tied in previously
Step 5. Tie in a bunch of bucktail in a darker colour like chartreusse, blue or pink
Step 6. Tie off and whip finish.
Step 7 (optional). Stick on some eyes and epoxy the head (either with traditional epoxy, clear cure goo, or UV knot sense)
Step 2. Tie in a sparse bunch of bucktail, about 1.5 to 2 times the length of the shank
Step 3. Tie in 2 to 3 strands of crystal flash (sparkle flash, or any other desired flash material)
Step 4. Tie in another sparse bunch of buncktail, the same length as tied in previously
Step 5. Tie in a bunch of bucktail in a darker colour like chartreusse, blue or pink
Step 6. Tie off and whip finish.
Step 7 (optional). Stick on some eyes and epoxy the head (either with traditional epoxy, clear cure goo, or UV knot sense)
 The Bynoe bendback - note the eyes tied at the bend in the shank |
 A flashy bendback, tied "vampire" style? |