The Sardine

The sardine is a variation of the Sand Heel I used to tie in New Jersey, but fatter. I tied this fly on Mustad 34011
size 2 to 3/0 first in white and blue primarily for Snook in Charlotte Harbor where I live. I tried different colors
but green is the best producer during sunny daylight; and red at night or overcast. I caught small Jew Fish in the
canal where I live by letting the current carrying the fly 2-3 feet deep under moored boats with a short tippet. Last
Spring I caught dozens of small Tarpon with the green one. Now I fish with a 13 Wt custom rod and a Valentine reel.
I broke a few rods and more tippets than I can count. There are some very big fishes around here.

Tying Instructions:

	Step 1: Attach your tying thread and wrap a thread base the full length of the hook shank with white thread Mylar covered Nylon from Fishing-Tools or white #3.	Photos and fly by Michel A Hegi
		Step 2: From a hank of white Super Hair cut a bunch the size of a big matchstick the whole length or 10”. You can ad a couple strands of pearl Crystal Flash and fold in half.
	Step 3: Start tying 3 millimeters past the eye of the hook leaving a shank long piece of hair in the front to be folded back on the hook to form the bottom of the body. (I always secure my thread with a half hitch after every step)
		Step 4:
	Step 5: By twisting the material together it is easier to keep it on the top of the hook
		Step 6: Tie the white hair on the entire shank of the hook and bring back the thread in the front..
	Step 7: Repeat the process with the same amount of bright green Super Hair. Make sure the green stays on top of the white. (It will show through the pearl E-Z Body.)
		Step 8: Tie on the entire shank; secure with on or two half hitch at the end of the shank and a drop of super glue.
	Step 9: Do not use head cement! Head cement is not compatible with the 5 minute Epoxy used to cover the whole fly. Cut the thread.
	Michel A Hegi