Dumbbell Eyes Test

This video tests the location of dumbbell eyes tied on flies. I test under and over the hook shank with several conditions including a water test. This video might help beginning fly tiers understand the effect dumbbell eyes have on a fly depending on tie in location.

Julian Tapping

Articles: 316

In The Fly Box

Hot Collar Hare’s Ear Variant – Dunmore Six #4September 28, 2026
Fed's Hot Collar Hare’s Ear Variant adds a vibrant fluoro-orange hot spot to the classic Hare's Ear Nymph, creating a versatile and eye-catching trout fly.
Black Midge Caddis Variant – Dunmore Six #3September 14, 2026
Fed’s Black Midge Caddis Variant - a small, sparse dry fly for selective trout. Tied on size 16–20 hooks, it combines black Congo Plus with a 40:60 Adams Kapok and Black Zelon dubbing mix to create a slim, buggy profile that sits naturally in the surface film.
Fed’s Possum Simpson – The Dunmore Six #2September 7, 2026
Fed’s Possum Simpson is an Australian take on the classic Mrs Simpson streamer and the second fly in the Dunmore Six. Tied with possum fur, red Woolly Nylon and four dark pheasant feathers, this simple pattern may not win many prizes when dry, but once wet, it has one job: catching fish.

Julian Tapping

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