Pearl&Wooly kebari

Many years ago, when I was in the process of buying my first vise, the salesman named Andrew, one of the most experienced and respected fly anglers in my city, asked me if I was planning to tie flies commercially. I could not give a definite answer, but I vividly remember his response: the most effective flies never are commercial.

In “before the tenkara age” Pearl&Wooly was developed as the nymph. Seals fur dubbing makes for a nice body volume, but it is very hard and doesn't wrap around the shank properly. Therefore, to achieve a good dubbing I usually add rabbit fur as a binder. Pearl tinsel both attracts and fixes the dubbing in place. Wooly nymph was very effective at all the waters.

My friend once asked me to make some nymphs for sale at his fly-fishing shop. I’ve tied tens of  dozens of nymphs into different patterns: PHT, G.R.H.E, Czech, etc. ....and also Pearl&Wooly. In merely one month all the nymphs were sold out except Pearl&Wooly. It was returned to me.

But later I’ve managed to sell  thousands of flies, although very often failed to sell my favourite patterns.  And that just goes to prove Andrew's response.

In tenkara age I add the reverse hackle to Pearl&Wooly and get the kebari, which is lightlighted not only for trout and grayling, but also for many other species . Chubs, roaches and even tench take Pearl&Wooly kebari. Once to my surprise, my junior managed to hook  it  on even a little zander.

Hook: TMC 206BL or Knapek G size #12

Thread:  UNI 6/0 Camel 

Hackle:  Hen pheasant natural

Dubbing: natural handmade mix 50% seal 50% rabbit

Ribbing:  Pearl tinsel 

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