Bluegill Foam Spider Fly Breakdown

The foam spider is probably one of the easiest flies I tie as well as one of the most commonly used flies as well.  The foam spider is one of the first flies I learned how to tie and definitely the first one I caught something on.  For that reason this is a great first fly to teach young people to tie.  It can be tied in just about any size from as small as a #10 hook to as large as a #4 which when the bass are taking topwaters is very effective.  Not only that but the materials don't have to be overly precise, I've personally used basic craft foam cut to shape with scissors and cut rubber bands for the legs and the bluegill could care less.

As well it's probably the best fly for young people to fish with because it's easy to cast as well bluegill will consistently chase this fly down and eat it.  Casting the foam spider doesn't require any finesse or gentle touchdowns like casting dry flies for finicky trout.  In fact a splat landing is just fine as it gets the attention of hungry panfish as well as bass looking for an easy meal.

Basically the foam spider imitates any terrestrial that has fallen into the water.   However what I've noticed is that you can tie it in just about any color pattern but for some reason lighter bodies don't work as well and bee color patterns tend to work best right after a rain.   All in all it's a great fly to have in your box especially if you plan on harassing the local bluegill population in your neck of the woods. As well this is a great starter fly for kids.

Tying Tips:

• Use the lightest thread you can get away with.  
• Do not wrap an entire thread base as thread absorbs water and inhibits the fly's ability to float. 
• Use as little pear chenille as you can, as the center thread of the chenille absorbs water inhibiting the fly's ability to float. 
• If you find the fly is difficult to see in the water tie in a small foam bright colored indicator on the top. 

Fishing tips:

• Let the fly splat down on to the water. This makes it seem like a bug that has fallen out of a tree. 
• Give the initial ripples around the fly a chance to dissapate before moving the fly. 
• Try short erratic retrieves and long retrieves to see what fish want. 
• Use the lightest weight hook you can find. The less the weight the better it'll float.

Here is a great video tutorial of the foam spider that I tie all the time.





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