Author Topic: Cased Caddis Bomb (Read 2472 times)

Dejon Hamann · « **on:** September 09, 2009, 10:06:43 PM »

I've always been intrigued with the fly tying theory behind the "cased caddis bomb." This is a unique fly with a very specific purpose: to get down and deep in a hurry!! Sometimes your usual "big bombs" just don't do the job. You know those "black hole" pools or fast runs where you can never really find bottom... but you know dam well there's a huge trout hugging the bottom? The "Vladi Worm" has been a recent favorite front runner for these purposes, but frankly it's a pain to tie, hard to keep "natural looking" with extra lead wraps, and personally I've never witnessed it's superior effectiveness first hand. So, enter the "caddis bomb."

The process for tying this beast is pretty simple. Buy or construct a very heavy lead laden hook and cover it with stream-ish looking debris. I can see a lot of room to play around here. From natural streamside rocks and sticks to store bought glittery materials.

I'm currently in the process of constructing a few. My first attempt was to afix 3 #7 Lead Split Shot to a size #1 Knapek hook. Tomorrow I'll go searching for some appropriate materials to stick to that monster. Next chance I get I'm going to explore the local hobby shop for other synthetic type materials to glue and then also Gander Mountain for possible entries into the lead shaped hook.

More to come. If any other tiers are interested let's see what we can come up with and compare!

Here's something to get the wheels turning:
http://shop.siman.cz/index.html?pod=/cl1801736019.htm

btw, I just love these two tips they provide after the fly recipe:
-Be careful on your rod tip.
-Use a fly rod covered unconditional lifetime warranty.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2009, 07:04:42 AM »

wow that thing looks like a serious bomb!!! no warning about hitting yourself in the head? That fly might cause some major concussions.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2009, 07:58:15 AM »

You wouldn't be using a traditional cast with that Michigan cricket

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2009, 05:32:03 PM »

You beat me to it Dejon!!!

I saw you reply to FFPA about making a cased pattern with 3 split shot and thought wow I have a pattern saved that would be just what he is looking for! I LOVE on the site how you buy them by the "gram".

Have you ever used this particular pattern??

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2009, 05:46:39 PM »

Yeah, where else can you import things legally by the gram

I haven't tried them yet. I'm was working on similar idea today. I'll try to take some pics later tonight and put them up.

Paul Bourcq · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2009, 07:41:39 PM »

Although i have never made these the few i have seen are great. Keep in mind that you can roll these in whatever substrate is in the venue you are fishing so it more closely resembles what would be there naturally.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2009, 09:38:15 PM »

Now this is only round #1. They aren't bad, but they can be a lot better. The stick arrangements came from just applying epoxy to the split shot laden hook and then dabbing it in a bowl of chopped up twigs and bark. Not too bad, but definitely not the neat little linear cases that caddis take their time building. Will trout care? Probably not. It's actually surprisingly durable at this point, but could be a true bomb if I use all synthetic materials. Of course, I really like the fact that there is actual bi-mater in there - might be a plus on the sent side. Hook gap isn't too bad on those biggies. This sucker weights a ton... or exactly 3 #7 Lead Split Shot. Not your everyday pattern, but will most certainly take you to the bottom. And I could have probably fit another one on there! I'd like to improve on the "peaking" head section. Play around with some other cream and olive based colors to represent a bit of the caddis body and something for black legs. Not a bad start if I do say so myself.

Mike Norton · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2009, 06:26:38 AM »

Tim Barrett · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2009, 11:56:21 AM »

Nice ties. I was wondering when someone was going to start using epoxy like this.
I have been thinking of doing the same.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2009, 12:00:16 PM »

I bet using some river sand would really make a killer pattern. I like this idea and it gives me some ideas to try.

Kevin Compton · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2009, 05:05:29 PM »

Another take on the caddis bomber: the 'Leadhead' or 'Peeping Caddis'. The pattern was designed, and tied here, by Hans van Klinken. The photos here were shot by Hans Weilenmann. For van Klinken's notes about the design, tying instructions, and fishing the 'Leadhead', see: http://www.danica.com/flytier/hklinken/leadhead.htm.

The most interesting thing about this pattern, I think, is the position of the lead. With the split-shot riding above the shank, the 'Leadhead' fishes point up making it more weed and gravel free. With this technique the hook gap is not narrowed and tungsten beads (regular bore or slotted) in any color can be substituted for the (unfriendly) lead splitshot.