How to Tie a Water Boatman

The water boatman is a common insect with a unique profile. The boatman has two paddles and round, tapered body. The insect uses the paddles to make quick darting motions through the water. The motion attracts the attention of hungry fish and makes the insect an important food source. Water boatman flies are commonly used for trout fishing, but the insect is also effective for panfish and bass. Tying the flies requires a moderate skill level and basic tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • 6/0 black thread
  • Clear plastic bag
  • Scissors
  • Black rubber leg
  • Peacock herl
  • Head cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the hook in the vise and wrap the thread from the hook bend to the hook eye. Cut a one-quarter inch wide piece of plastic from a freezer bag. Hold one end of the plastic strip at the hook eye and wrap the thread to the bend, covering the plastic with each turn.

    • 2

      Wrap the thread to the one-half point on the hook. Place a rubber leg on top of the hook and adjust the leg into a perpendicular position. Make 10 diagonal wraps around the leg to create one leg or paddle on each side of the hook. Return the thread to the hook bend.

    • 3

      Pull five strands of peacock herl from a bunch. Use scissors to trim the butt ends until they are all even. Hold the butt ends on the hook bend and make 15 thread wraps to secure them. Wrap the thread to the hook eye.

    • 4

      Wrap the strands of peacock around the hook until you reach the eye. Be careful around the legs and make the wraps to avoid adjusting the leg positions. Make 10 thread wraps at the hook eye to secure the peacock. Cut the extra peacock herl tips flush to the hook.

    • 5

      Pull the plastic over the back of the peacock body. Add slight tension to stretch the plastic and make 10 thread wraps to hold the plastic at the hook eye. Cut the extra length of plastic flush to the hook.

    • 6

      Add a drop of head cement to the thread at the hook eye. Wait one minute for the cement to cure. Cut the thread from the hook.