The Sandwich Beetle
The Sandwich Beetle is a very simple fly that I have been tying for quite some time here and it has served me well. As a guide and instructor, we are always looking for easy and quick flies that produce. This one fits the bill on all three fronts!
As an instructor for the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, Brian and I do alot of teaching at Sunnybrook Trout Club and Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club here in Ohio and this fly works extremely well at both places. In fact, Brian wanted me to run this fly here so that he could learn how to tie it properly and stock his boxes for the coming season. Now I don't have to fill his box each time we are teaching together!
BTW- This fly works as well on Bluegill and Panfish as it does trout!!
Again, pretty simple fly that works! Hope you enjoy.
Jerry Darkes- April 2017
* We have been working with Jerry here at MRO for nearly 25 years now. He has been a rep for multiple companies for years as well as a guide, instructor and trip host here in the shop. He is a accomplished author and lecturer and is very well known in the Midwestern Fly Fishing Circuit.
He is a great friend at the shop and we are honored that he was willing to do a "guest spot" video tutorial for us. You'll be seeing more of him here.
Books by Jerry:
"Fly Fishing the Inland Oceans" - Click Here
"Tying Essential Bass and Panfish Flies" - Click Here
Sandwich Beetle Fly Recipe:
Hook: Daiichi 1310 or equivalent, #14 Click Here
Thread: UTC 70D, black Click Here
Underbody: Natural or synthetic dry fly dubbing, black Click Here
Foam: 1.5mm -2mm foam sheeting, black with a brighter color such as orange or yellow.
Glue together as a single sheet using a spray adhesive. Cut into strips between 1/8”–
¼” (4mm-5mm) wide. Glue- Click Here Foam- Click Here
Legs: Montana Fly Company Speckled Sexi Floss- size fine, in brown, olive, tan. Click Here
1. Secure the hook in the vise.
2. Start the thread and lay base of thread on the hook shank.
3. Take the thread to bend of the hook, then finger dub several inches of the underbody material on to the thread.
4. Wrap the body up close to the hook eye, then wrap back to the middle of the hook shank.
5. Cut a section of the foam strip approximately ½” or 15mm in length.
6. Put a drop or two of Super Glue or ZapAGap on the center of the black side of the foam.
7. Lay the foam on top of the hook so the glue lines up where the thread is hanging down. Keep the foam on top of the hook. Wrap the thread over the foam with enough tension to compress the foam into noticeable segments.
8. Cut a 2” length of the fine Barred Sexi Floss. Double that over and cut into 2- 1” sections. Tie these in one one side of the body.
9. Repeat the procedure for the opposite side of the body, then add a bit more dubbing to the thread.
10. Wrap the dubbing in front of the foam, up to the hook eye.
11. Whip finish or half-hitch the thread, then trim.
12. Cut the legs to length of approximately 3 color sections.
13. Put a bit of glue on each side over the thread where the legs are tied in.
There you have it. The Sandwich Beetle. Play around with the colors of the foam and legs and see what works best for you. Throw this over some trout or panfish this season and have fun!
Watch the Video!
Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools
Fly Shop, Fly Fishing Guides, Hosted Fly Fishing Travel, Schools, Classes and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
admin@madriveroutfitters.com
