MATERIAL LIST AND TYING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Hook - Any type of longshank hook, size 6 to 12, Daiichi 1720, Mustad 9672, Orvis 1526, Partridge LO58, Tiemco 5263. Paul uses the Kamasan code B-800.
   
   
2. Thread - Hot orange 6/0.
   
   
3. Tail - Half and half mixed hot orange and bright green spade hackle fibers. Tie in the same length as the body, i.e. two thirds the hook shank length.
   
   
4. Body - Any stranded pearl material. About 8 strands, tied in and twisted, then wrapped forwards two thirds hookshank length.
   
   
5. Under Wing - White bucktail, sorted and stacked. To judge quantity, I generally stack the same thickness of hair as the completed body. Tie just longer than the tail. Tie in point is a third hookshank length back from the eye.
   
   
6. Over Wing - White plastazote foam (swimming floats) I cut the wing from a block of foam about 1" thick. I can then easily vary the amount of foam used for each hook size. Fold in half and tie in above the throat hackle. Whip finish at this point. And varnish throat.
   
   
7. Throat Hackle - False hackle of sharp hot orange hackle barbs. I use spade hackles for this purpose. Hackle should reach the hook point.
   
   

   HISTORY AND ADDITIONAL NOTES

   The Fidget Fry was developed by Mr. John Hatheral at Bewl Water a Kent reservoir, south of London, in the UK. This unlikely looking fly is designed to attract trout in specific feeding circumstances encountered on still waters here towards the end of our fishing season. From early September into early winter, both Brown and Rainbow trout, target small bait fish as protein rich mouthfuls to pack on weight for the coming winter months. The trout actively hunt shoals of small bait fish holding in the weedy margins of our lakes. This is an easily observed form of feeding as the marauding trout aggressively smash into the shoals of small fish in an attempt to stun or cripple its targets. The trout can then return and mop up the wounded fishes at its leisure. The shoals of bait fish can be seen fleeing on mass, leaping from the water like miniature flying fish, trying to avoid the hungry attentions of the trout.The fidget fry is specifically designed to be used in these situations, as a maimed or stunned bait fish imitation. Lies low in the surface film, has a good footprint and creates some disturbance when given some movement. Fishing the Fidget is an exercise best achieved on foot, combing the banks for signs of this type of feeding behavior. You can cover a lot of ground when searching in this way so travel light. The set up Paul uses for the fidget is a 9' 6" - 10' rod with a #6 or #7 floating line, a 10 - 12' tapered 4x copolymer leader and a single fidget on the point. I tie the fidget in sizes from #12 - 6.

   When the target is found cast the fidget into the general area and wait. The takes are quite gentle affairs, like the trout has all day to finish its meal. It can help on occasions to make the fidget, "fidget". This small movement imparted with the rod tip can make all the difference. As ever experiment. If no takes come, move on.