Fed’s “Baby” Red Tailed Dart

Fed’s “Baby” Red Tailed Dart

The “Baby” Red Tailed Dart is Fed’s smaller rendition of Bill Murdich’s original creation, making use of a 3X size 6 hook instead of the larger #2/0. This compact version maintains the vibrant and dynamic qualities that made the original fly so effective, especially when targeting aggressive species such as bass and pike. Its bright red soft hackle tail and the combination of pink and flash braid for the body create a highly visible and enticing pattern in the water. The mix of pearl curtain fringe and white poly yarn in the wing adds natural movement, while the 6 strands of peacock herl along the dorsal line mimic the shimmer of a fleeing baitfish.

Originally featured in the Federation of Fly Fishers International Fly Pattern Encyclopaedia, Fed’s scaled-down adaptation ensures that anglers have an option for smaller waters or finicky fish, while still enjoying the proven success of the original design. With a fish mask head and 5mm eyes that bring lifelike realism to the fly, the “Baby” Red Tailed Dart continues to be a go-to pattern for those looking to tie or cast a truly effective fly. Whether you’re a seasoned fly tier or just starting out, this pattern is worth adding to your collection.

For further reading, consider checking out the Federation of Fly Fishers International Fly Pattern Encyclopaedia, where Bill’s original design is featured in detail.

Materials

  • Hook: 3X size 6 (original #2/0)
  • Thread: White woolly nylon
  • Tail: Red soft hackle
  • Body: Pink and flash braid
  • Wing: Pearl curtain fringe/white poly yarn mix
  • Dorsal line: 6 strands of peacock herl
  • Head: Fish mask #43
  • Eyes: 5mm to fit fish mask
Materials used in tying Fed's "Baby" Red Tailed Dart.

Preparation

  • Stick the eyes on the fish mask.
  • Crush barbs on the hooks.
  • Mix the wing materials

Tying Instructions

1. Cover the hook with thread. 2. Tie in the red soft fibre to 3/4 length of the hook.
  1. Cover the hook with thread.
  2. Tie in the red soft fibre to 3/4 length of the hook.
  1. Tie the pink braid and cover the body back to at least two eye-lengths back.
  2. Tie in the wing material around the hook.
3. Tie the pink braid and cover the body back to at least two eye-lengths back. 4. Tie in the wing material around the hook.
5. Tie in the peacock herl on top of the fly, a little past the collar. 6. Make a good-sized head, not too big, for the fish mask
  1. Tie in the peacock herl on top of the fly, a little past the collar.
  2. Make a good-sized head, not too big, for the fish mask
  1. Half hitch and cut the thread.
  2. Coat the head with UV resin.
7. Half hitch and cut the thread. 8. Coat the head with UV resin.
9. Force the fish mask onto the fly and cure the UV resin. 10. Coat the back of the fish mask and eyes with UV resin and cure.
  1. Force the fish mask onto the fly and cure the UV resin.
  2. Coat the back of the fish mask and eyes with UV resin and cure.
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Julian Tapping

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