Missing Link Fly Tying Instructions by Charlie Craven

[@arthurabramson4287]

Charlie; thanks for the tying tips on this pattern. I fish these a lot and they are really effective. But, I agree, not the easiest fly to tie. But, while struggling through about a dozen today, I decided to review a few videos, including Mike Mercer's, Tim Flagler's and yours. What a difference when I incorporated your sequence of applying materials, and a couple of your tips!! Thanks for your efforts on this one.

[@ruebdogg1]

Wow this video really speaks to how good a fly tier Mike Mercer is. Charlie, appreciate the humility. Great to know you're a mere mortal from time to time after binge watching your videos. Please keep up the great work!!

[@nicholasgiffin847]

great fly for catching trout

[@marshallbaldwin8960]

This looks great Charlie! I appreciate all you do for us

[@704EX]

Yep, another great tie Charlie!

[@joebare844]

Great bug Charlie...as Kelly Galloup says" your flies have soul"...

[@Hunter711pa]

Nice job Charlie. That sure is a lot going on at the front of that fly. Thanks for the video

[@brianfleury5935]

Great fly.

[@robertmajor4904]

I’ve seen this tied three different ways, yours I like the most!

[@tmarkk99]

Nice one Charlie. Love it

[@YellowstoneCountryFlyFishing]

I find the cleanest way of tying the hackle is to wrap four turns up the hair, then just wiggle the stem down through the wrapped fibers and secure it directly to the shank. Or just say the heck with parachutes and tie a collar-style hackle with a three turns behind the wing and a couple on the wing tie-in point, then clip a notch in the hackle fibers underneath the shank so the fly still rides flush.

[@edpeter9411]

Very cool fly but if Charlie says it’s tough I haven’t got a chance!

[@anablakp3200]

When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

[@louied6065]

This fly and the mole fly kick ass

[@GregariousAntithesis]

Lefty, that explains why my ocd is triggered watching you tie everything backwards 🤠

[@brianfeeney9493]

Thank You Charlie 🎉 You Motivate me as we approach Halloween 🎃 …… to get out of bed earlier and hit the vise 😊 ✨ 🎣 💫

[@wyomingtrout5581]

Charlie, you tie it a lot different from the originator. Mercer coats the body with UV resin, he wants it to break the surface film and he ties the wing a lot different too. Kinda neat to watch two masters using varying tying techniques to emulate different bug hatching attributes. I like your wing tie in method to tie in smaller sizes.

[@dianadevito5898]

Charlie, can you comment on when to use Cow Elk, vs, Bull Elk, vs Yearling Elk? Thanks!!

[@rwinston4]

Charlie, I’ve seen some where the wrap back over the front of the spent wing and even angle them slightly down. Any thoughts there?

[@Grouse2275]

It’s very effective even if you omit the hackle….. and a cinch to tie. I prefer it without the hackle, especially on slower water…..

[@articgrayling1300]

mixology of a few different flies, rookie question for ya Charlie - Cow elk a softer hair, and the reasoning behind using it here?

[@algoetz5952]

Thanks Charlie. Why Zelon instead of polypropylene that you used on the Fat Angie and Lucky B?

[@chrisbukowski9434]

Cool 😎

[@cachi-7878]

Wait! Is this the Mike Mercer who works at The Fly Shop in Redding, CA?

[@GeorgeSemel]

I believe so. Hat Creek is a great bit of water to fish too even if it's California.

[@cachi-7878]

@@GeorgeSemel fished it many times!

[@steveelder5306]

it is

[@GeorgeSemel]

@@cachi-7878 I am planning to fish Hat Creek for a week or two in August or Sept. I got a road trip planned that will start in March in the South East and End with Steelies in Wis in late October. Home for the Rifle Deer Season Nov 1.

[@michaelterry1147]

I would never try that tie. No talent here.