Micro Feathered Gamechanger - Fly tester footage - McFly Angler Fly Tying Tutorial

The Gamechanger was originally created by Blane Chocklett and consists of multiple spines to make a moveable tail. The pattern has soon become a more style of flies rather than one specific pattern. People use feathers to make feathered gamechangers, You can make your own dubbing brush to create one with specific materials, or you can go with Chockletts own game changer chenille that he created to make tying these a little easier like I did in the last Gamechanger Video. Today Im tying the Feathered Changer which I feel has even more movement in the water. They work great for just about any species of fish that target small baitfish. Bass, pike, predatory brown trout, and even some saltwater species like redfish and tarpon.
Not only can you make a very realistic looking baitfish imitation with this style of fly, but you can also make a realistic swimming imitation. There are times where I will go out and throw everything in my box at bass or other weary fish and will get some followers, but none seem to want to commit. Then I throw one of these on, and the same bass that followed the other flies all the way up only to change their mind last minute will not hesitate to engulf the game changer. The combination of the amazing movement, and the great look of this fly usually will entice even the most shy fish.
As you all know, I work closely withwww.risenfly.com and they have offered every one of my subscribers a discount. So go to their shop, and type in "McFly" at checkout for 15% off of anything you buy on their site.
Make sure you check out my Patreon for there are some great perks that I think you would like. For as little as $1 a month you can sign up and start supporting this channel. Depending on the tier you sign up for, you can get early access to all my videos, 1 on 1 support and question answering from me, participation in my live streams, fly video suggestions, and even discounts on my hand tied flies. There are many more perks as well so go to www.patreon.com/McFlyAngler to sign up today.
Materials
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Here is a list of the materials I used on this fly.
Hook: Gamakatsu SL12-S 1X short (Size 4) - amzn.to/3P31iHi
Discount Hook: Risen short shank saltwater hook (size 1)- www.risenfly.c...
Thin Thread: Veevus 6/0 (Olive) - amzn.to/3BGSzaD
Thick Thread: Veevus 140 (Olive) - amzn.to/3QhDJuZ
Shanks: Fish-Skull Articulated Spines (Starter Set) - amzn.to/3Q1JA8f
Tail: Whiting Chickabou (Grizzly Olive) - amzn.to/3oRtx0P
Flash: Midge Krystal Flash (Pearl) - amzn.to/3JuLPOQ
Eyes: Fish Skull Living Eyes (5mm, Earth) - amzn.to/3Q1tQlE
Filler resin: Solarez Thin - www.solarez.co...
Finishing resin: Solarez Bone Dry - www.solarez.co...
Tools
________
Vise: Renzetti Traveler - amzn.to/2t2FFmo
Bobbin: Stonfo Bobtec - amzn.to/2YWOf39
Fine Tip Scissors: Risen Spring Assist Scissors - www.risenfly.c...
Whip finisher: Dr. Slick brass - amzn.to/2tGYwDW
Fly Tying Bench: Oasis Walnut Compact Bench - www.oasisbench...
UV Light: Solarez UV Cure (high output) - www.solarez.co...
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[@jonathanvoeltner6013]

Congratulations on hitting 50K. My favorite video by far is this one one the Gamechanger . The realism the fly has in the water is extraordinary. I have enjoyed all your fly videos. Thanks!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you.

[@mackenziewhite407]

Your tip on sticking the eyes to your hand is life changing - no more battling those dang sticky eyes! Haha, thanks!

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad to help, ya the sticky eyes can be a pain

[@zman2367]

Congrats on the 50K McFly!!!!! I really appreciate the tying videos, it has been a huge help. My favorite video has to be the game changers. Thank you

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you enjoy them thanks!

[@drewrawcliffe5593]

Another great thing video. I discovered your channel since 4 yrs ago after I got back into fly fishing and tying after a long lay off. I’ve used the previous feather bugger steamer too great success. Keep up the great work.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@leephillips2666]

My favorite video/videos are the fishing in the gulf most recently. I'm from Texas so it was awesome to watch. Keep up the great work!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks Lee! For sure! I enjoy those trips as well.

[@angleofattack5942]

Congrats on 50k! My favorite video of yours is the one where you and some friends are fishing in the snow during the winter and pulling these really big and colorful brown trout out of a suuuper narrow stream. I love your fly tying content too, so keep the videos coming!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@nlcirque]

I really appreciated the close up views on tying this game changer. It’s not a tying video per say but my favorite video of yours was the first one I watched….Oasis Compact flying tying bench review. I’ve watched others along the way but this is how I found your channel.

[@McFlyAngler]

Oh awesome! Thanks man! Yeah I love that bench. Did you end up getting it?

[@asaandrews3372]

Big congrats on 50k you really deserve it man. I don't know if I would have ever started fly fishing or fly tying without you My favorite video has to be your copper John it inspired me to start fly tying Thanks for everything man!

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome man thank you! Glad they helped.

[@joecruse4531]

Thank you very much for explaining how to build tapper. I’m new to tying game changers. 😊

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad to help, and awesome man! These are fun flies to tie when you get the hang of them. Let me know how it works for you

[@lordlyons3839]

Favorite video is the game changer tying video with the blue gill pattern. Keep up the great work.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@douglassmiley3454]

Congrats on the 50k. My favorite video is the clouser minnow with legs. Fun to see classic recipes with a twist.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome! Thanks! Glad you liked that video. That fly has worked well for me also.

[@shaunfishes101]

Just found your channel, it was this fly that done it. My mate has recently purchased this fly, or one like it. I will check with him. It was great to watch you tying this fly. I may have a go myself. We have a small channel here in the UK. Only started the channel two years ago and its mainly fly fishing for trout. But the fly is intended for pike and big browns. I have subscribed as I intend over time to view all your videos. I am really looking forward to it. Take care. Shaun UK.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks Shaun! I like your name, although you spell it wrong. I’m Shawn. Haha. ;). Anyway thanks for watching Shaun and I’m glad to hear you will give it a shot. They make larger spines for bigger flies you could try for pike with. This is the micro version…. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out.

[@j0nmurill0]

Gz on 50k! My favorite video was the one you made with your beard hair and actually caught fish!

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol yes I almost forgot about that one. Hahaha! I really was surprised I caught honestly! Thanks

[@dillpicklesadventures6361]

Congratulations on 50k.You sure did deserve it .Thinks for all you do you helped me with the video of the Cypert’s minnow.You helped me catch tons of fish🐟🎣.Thinks man.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks 👍

[@MichaelUpdike-ny2sn]

Congrats. I just started following a few weeks ago and enjoy the tying videos. I went back to watch a few for some ideas for my own creations. My favorite so far was the regular Game Changer. I want to go pick up the spines and make a few to throw at bass. I like the idea of the customizing colors to make different species. Thanks for the vids and here's to 50k more.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man, glad the videos have inspired ya! I’d love to see some of the color combos you make with yours. Find me on Instagram and send some pics

[@briandhaeseleer9996]

I will go with an oldie. It might have to be your tutorial on redfish crack. It introduced me to your channel and demonstrated the quality craftsmanship and camera work you put into your flies.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks Brian! Yeah that’s a great pattern! One I use almost every trip for redfish. I wish I was the originator of such a great pattern myself. Lol

[@OutsidewithTom]

Your attention to detail is impressive. Well done.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@user-xt9pt2hx9i]

The bucket fish! It’s always a great feeling hooking up with your white whale!

[@McFlyAngler]

For sure

[@terrhian677]

Great tutorial! I’m gonna have to get those hen soft hackle patches! Thank you!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you, and yeah those hen saddles are awesome! I use them for quite a few different flies, not just these. Great value also as they are under $20

[@thememester9147]

Congratulations on 50k! Been here since 12k. My favorite video is probably your original game changer. You got me into tying flies but I still havent made it to the game changer

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man! And so glad to see you still here through all the ups and downs. I appreciate you!

[@theflyguy577]

Congrats on 50k!!! You have really inspired me and convinced me to get into fly tying, I think my favorite video would have to be the stimulator tying vid.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@joaohelmuthuchoa]

One word: perfect!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! I really appreciate it

[@richarddavis8272]

I like the video you made catching redfish in corpus with the attractor scent. I also enjoyed the video of you taking your son fly-fishing with the Risen 99 dollar rod.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! Hey maybe you will be able to fish with that rod soon, never know you could win! Haha!

[@adammorgan4902]

Congrats on reaching 50k! I am new to fly tying and appreciate the video quality and explanations in your fly tying videos. I almost always tie with you channel or tightlinevideo on the screen. My favorite video is "The only nymph you need to learn" as I have tied so many variations of it. Thanks!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks Adam! Good luck on the giveaway

[@tacosauce1948]

Congrats on 50K! You'll be at 100K before u know it. Your Rio bandito video has definitely helped me catch more fish!

[@McFlyAngler]

Oh good to hear! Thanks! That fly is a good one no doubt. Have you ever checked out the video that the originator made on that fly? The owner of Living Waters?

[@tacosauce1948]

No, but i'll check it out right now

[@ctcpugs]

Congrats on 50k! My favorite past video is the micro game changer.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@anotheroutdoorchannel...893]

Great job hitting 50k! Honestly the bully bluegill video is one of my favorites. I use that fly to catch a wide range of fish! I appreciate all of your content!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! Yeah that’s a good pattern for sure!

[@anotheroutdoorchannel...893]

@@McFlyAngler I really like that I can tie a whole box of them in no time! Thanks again!

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes absolutely

[@trevinyoung4581]

You inspire me with your streamer patterns. Also your videos have to be the easiest to follow on youtube. Godspeed

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you Trevin! God bless!

[@ugsisr]

Great Tie.... Excellent Pattern.... Fresh and Salt I Love them

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@LandPiratesCrew]

Way to go on hitting 50k subs! Favorite vid thus far was definitely the brush minnow.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome thanks

[@Hagg3049]

Congrats on 50K! As a new tyer I love your channel. It's a bit silly but I loved your San Juan worm video, your version with the wrap in the middle has been really great in the water for me and really helped improve my tying confidence.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome! So glad to have helped! Glad to see new tiers benefit from my videos

[@sunnyhsieh8515]

Woot! 50k! I think one of my favourite videos is one where you are fishing in TX for Cichlids on a hopper pattern. Gonna go against the grain and say that while I appreciate your fly tying videos, I think I primarily follow because you have great fishing content (where you're actually fishing).

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you. Yeah I’d say that’s against the grain. Haha! Most like the channel for the flies, I appreciate you and those who enjoy the fishing as well. Thanks again! God bless

[@jbpipes9551]

To be truthful, I have been somewhat intimidated with tying the Gamechanger. Your video with straight to the point tying sequences gives me confidence tying this pattern.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks JB! Glad this helped you. Hey, do you want to win a fly rod? Make sure your subbed to Risen's channel and mine, and then comment here on which is your favorite video ive made. Thanks and good luck!

[@jbpipes9551]

My favorite video is the GFA Hopper. I enjoy tying foam flies from itty bitty to mega monsters. Yes, I am subscribed to Risen Fly Fishing KZbin channel.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome!

[@JohnKlopp]

I really enjoy watching so many of your videos, but if I must choose one I enjoyed watching and tying the baby blue crab with claws. Congrats on reaching 50k and God Bless!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you! God bless you as well

[@fishingak3135]

Great job on 50k now to 100k I believe in you!!! Keep up the great work I love all your videos since I am new to fly fishing you are very good at showing how to tie flys but if I had to choose my favorite is the prince nymph tying video cause I fish for trout and that is my favorite fly!

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome man, thank you. And I’m so glad the videos help ya.

[@ChaseDreams9]

Congrats on 50k, one of my favorites was the redfish cracklin video

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome thanks!

[@eric9245]

Your vid’s really help in tying as I’m fairly new, congrats on 50k. Really liked the belly bumper rattle fly the bass fly.

[@McFlyAngler]

Oh thank you

[@borristhepigg6903]

Congratulations on 50k I think my favorite video of yours is the split tail ep fly I do a lot of catfishing and it has led to some big ones

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome thanks, so catfish on that? Interesting. I might try and pick your brain about cat fishing on the fly.

[@borristhepigg6903]

@@McFlyAngler it’s a fun thing to try I’ve never had much luck Stillwater but I’ve caught plenty drifting streamers and nymphs

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool! Yeah I’ve tried around here and caught a few randomly but, usually I don’t. We have a river with tons of small cats in it. Some larger even. Anyway it’s a super clear river so they see me before I see them. Always had trouble getting them to bite.

[@SausyFlyFishing]

This is my favorite fresh water fly I fish in Florida and it catches bluegill to bass peacock to bowfin and beyond love this fly

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! This actually is a video on one I sent you. HAHA. Like literally this fly is in your tackle box right now (If you haven't lost it already to a big fish). LOL

[@SausyFlyFishing]

It has already been destroyed lol

[@jackjohnston3289]

my favorite video is most of your flytying videos because i’m getting into fly tying

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome thank

[@jeffjackson5331]

That is one sweet looking fly. I've been subbed to Risen fly's youtube channel for quite awhile now and friends with Ryan in person and on his facebook pages/group page. I would have to say my favorite video would be "How to Tie the Clouser Minnow Fly - Saltwater and fresh water streamer fly". I like all of your Clouser minnow how to videos. Congrats again on hitting the 50k mark bud.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man! Yeah Risen is awesome aren't they? And yeah clousers are great flies for sure.

[@jeffjackson5331]

@@McFlyAngler you are very welcome bud. Oh yeah Ryan is cool! He is moving his shop to a bigger location but will still be close enough for me to run down there if i need any thing. Yeah i want to try and tie clouser minnow.

[@McFlyAngler]

Clouser are a great fly pattern to tie, Not super difficult to get down quickly, but also has some complications in it that can arise to help you learn some techniques as well. Just about anyone can tie one that will catch fish, but if you work hard at it, you can learn to tie one also that looks really nice as well. Just one of those flies that is not just for the beginner or the more advanced, its got something for everyone to enjoy tying.

[@jeffjackson5331]

@@McFlyAngler oh yeah, i tackled the San Juan Worm, Ryan set me up with some dubbing to try tying a Waltz Worm. I got a neon green mitt from Dollar tree the other day to tie some mop flies. Once i do them i will try the Clouser.

[@jasonhw00]

Congrats again: you could try a 360 camera on another fishing pool with another person and pull it through the water next to the fly. Just an idea on the underwater action shots. My favorite video is the top water frog.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks, so yeah that sounds cool! Kinda pricy I’m sure to get a new camera. Lol. Wish I could do something like that for sure

[@scottmilner3801]

Love these flys !! Nicely done!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@donovantaylor5338]

I love the bully bluegill video i male tons of thrm an they work fairly well

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome thanks! Yeah that is a great pattern for sure. Simple yet effective

[@birder4life999]

I haven't really adventured into tying articulated flies, this might have to be my introduction. Based on what I have had success with streamer fishing in the rivers around here, this might be about ideal felt including size and color for stained water after summer rains here. I would also like this in a flashy white or blue color for things like wiper and pike would be pretty cool, maybe even up to a 1/0 size.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome! Yeah this could work great for striper and pike in larger sizes, just get some feathers that are larger for them. They sell some larger shanks as well. And feathers can be gotten in many colors, see what you can make, I’d love to see your creativity on your versions

[@dazzshell9123]

Recently found your channel and i must say this is one of my favourite fishing tutorials on yt. Do you make videos testing the fly you make.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you. So I believe I did put some footage of this underwater in a fly tester in this video, check out the very end of the video to see how it moves.

[@dannydecare2116]

I'm going to make some with foam in the tail so it holds the tail up and try them on bass beds

[@McFlyAngler]

Good idea! Let me know how that works.

[@ClimbingCrux]

Great video!! Thanks!!

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad you liked it!

[@ronporter3885]

Congratulations on hitting 50K. My favorite is a recent one where you took your kids out fishing. I can’t imagine how that would be with a fly rod. For me a Spinning reel was not that easy either.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol yeah for sure, thank you. And they are good kids, my daughter obviously can’t cast and doesn’t know what she is doing but my son has gone before and while only 8 and not perfect with it, he is learning and I trust he will become a good fisherman in the next few years

[@ryantibbitts3198]

Fantastic video! Can’t wait to try one of those. What is the very fine metal tip that you use on your Solarez bottles? I can’t find it anywhere!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you. Check solarez website, I think they still have some but I could be wrong. They recently switched to some plastic ones. They work pretty well also so I wouldn’t worry about the plastic fine tip vs the metal. Both work pretty well.

[@bobhammond8067]

Fantastic!! That action is really exceptional. How do I go about getting you to tie some for me??

[@McFlyAngler]

Best way is to contact me on Instagram, but if you don’t have that try email. My email is on the about section in my KZbin homepage

[@jscancella]

Do you like this one, or the "micro gamechanger" with the chenille better?

[@McFlyAngler]

They are different. Good for different uses honestly

[@sigurdurmarolafsson4183]

Great looking fly m8!! I have saved a lot of money by using cheap "jewlery pins" and make tail shanks with them. It is just "cut to length" and bend. You get 50-100 for like 1-2$.

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool, are they strong enough? Have you had any break on you?

[@sigurdurmarolafsson4183]

@@McFlyAngler none of them has broken yet. They have sometimes get a little bent but that is an easy fix. I also love how light they are and move even better because of it.

[@McFlyAngler]

Good to know, thanks

[@user-cc1hi1ju1q]

Круто! Возможно очень эффективно. Надо пробовать.👍

[@klaaslangendoen4613]

Congratulations with your achievement, up to the next 50k 🎊🎉🥂. To be honest for me it really doesn't matter but fishing with your kids should be the most fun. And subscribed straight away to the Risen KZbin channal.

[@McFlyAngler]

Awesome man, thanks! Good luck!

[@domtiesflies743]

Is there a reason you use super glue rather than UV resin?

[@McFlyAngler]

I use both….

[@MrJaxparadize]

Hey, channel owner, one of the materials is no longer available… apparently. General search for micro-spine tail comes up with nothing related. Even that Amazon link says it’s unavailable and does not know when they will be again. Suggestions?

[@McFlyAngler]

Links change regularly, and with 600+ videos it’s hard to keep up. I’ll look for the items soon and edit them on the listing, thanks for telling me.

[@terrhian677]

Can you add a link to those Whiting Hen Saddles? The video shows its a Wet Fly Hackle on top, and says Hen Saddle on the bottom. I can find the Whiting Hen Saddle that says Dry Fly Hackle on tope, the feathers seem much thinner. Where do I find the Whiting, Wet Fly Hackle, Hen Saddles?

[@McFlyAngler]

Whiting is a brand name. The saddle of a hen is the area where the patch is taken from the hen. Some brands call their saddles “wet fly” saddles as a way to let you know they aren’t for dry flies. Make sure it’s hen saddles and not rooster saddles. Rooster would usually be for dry flies and hen is softer feathers for wet flies. Unfortunately linking is difficult because most places only have a few in stock and then they sell out quickly. Just search “whiting hen saddle” online. I’ll look for a place with some in stock soon, but no guarantee it will be the colors you want

[@McFlyAngler]

amzn.to/3cHMCjq

[@watermarkplumbing6491]

Hi there, where can I buy your game changers. I live in New Zealand, would love to try these in our rivers. Thanks Mark.

[@McFlyAngler]

I tie to sell, currently a few months backed up on orders. Contact me on Instagram if you can, or Facebook

[@watermarkplumbing6491]

@McFlyAngler Ok awesome, I'm not on Instagram but will look you up on Facebook?

[@McFlyAngler]

Sounds good

[@taylorbrowning7827]

that is a baadd maama jamma

[@McFlyAngler]

Thank you

[@ezzye5]

Your glue brush bristles always give anxiety. Seems to work for you though

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol, yeah I mean, I wish I had perfect bristles however I don’t have the money to replace the bottles every time they get a bit funky. Gotta use up the glue before I switch. Any solutions to fixing the bristles?

[@user-qh4fv4mv8b]

🔥🎣👈

[@Boon-ie1rq]

Feathers be getting really expensive.

[@McFlyAngler]

They are pricy for sure! Luckily this uses hen saddles which aren’t as bad as some other dry fly feathers. But you do use so many.