HOOK: Size 14 scud hook (Dai-Riki #135, Eagle Claw L055, Mustad C49S, Tiemco 2457, Cabelas Model 25, or similar)
THREAD: flat waxed nylon
EYES: small black bead chain
TAIL: 6-10 hackle barbs
HACKLE: dry fly saddle hackle
UNDERBODY: tinsel over thread

THE BLACK BOUDREAUX
created by Ray Boudreaux (Acadiana Fly Rodders)
Hours of fishing lakes and ponds have proven that no new pattern is more effective overall than the Black Boudreaux. Using this pattern, practically all local warmwater species have been caught, including panfish, bass, sacalait, shad, gar, catfish plus rainbow and brown trout. The fly is easy to tie and is usually fished as a dropper. It is a small fly (size 14) and barbeless hooks are highly recommended. Size and color are important, and while black has proven to be the best, olive and chocolate work as well. This recipe deviates slightly from the original, but the manner of tying the fly shown below is intended to accurately reflect Ray’s pattern concept and create a durable fly that will withstand many fish. A fly with a tinsel underbody works better than without and super glue the hackle to the tinsel or it can unravel after a few fish. A drop of fish attractant or WD40 disguises the scent of glues.

1. Wrap the hook shank from the eye to the start of the bend with thread. Using a scud hook produces a better shaped (curved) fly and provides more hookups. Most scud hooks are slightly offset, which is acceptable. Flat waxed nylon thread is used for durability.
2. Tie in the tail at the beginning of the hook bend with about 1/4″-3/8″ extending past the hook. Biot or maribou can also be used, but simple hackle barbs work best. Bring the thread forward to the hook eye.
3. Tie on the eyes immediately behind the hook eye with a figure eight wrap and put on a tiny drop of super glue on the wraps. (Small black bead chain is available from Hobby Lobby.) Bring the thread back to the start of the tail.
4. Tie in stiff dry fly saddle hackle (with the shortest barbs possible).
5. Tie in a strand of tinsel and bring the thread forward to the eyes. Wrap the tinsel to completely cover the thread on the hook shank and tie off behind the eyes.
6. Put a very light layer of super glue on top of the tinsel.
7. Tightly palmer the hackle up to the hook eye. Tie down and clip the excess.
8. Whip finish around the eyes.
9. Trim the hackle barbs all around the shank to a length of about 1/8″.
10. Put a small drop of Hard as Nails on the whip finish between the eyes.