Todd’s Wiggle Minnow - How to tie one of the best smallmouth flies in the world 🤷‍♂️ 🌍 🐟

I don’t know who Todd is, but I do know this fly puts a serious hurtin on the smallies. Thanks Todd, whoever you are !
This pattern has been around for a long time, and I guess it originated on the east coast for striped bass. Naturally, it migrated into the Midwest, where it translated perfectly to our river dwelling bronzebacks.
There was a day I had years ago, where this fly really impressed me. It’s got a crazy side to side swim, much like a rapala. I use the term “swim” loosely, as it really does wiggle. It almost vibrates on the way back to you. Being that’s it’s 99% foam, It lands very softly, which is an added bonus.
I’ve only bought these flies from fly shops, and never really thought to tie them. They aren’t too difficult I would say. This vid was my second attempt at it, turned out pretty decent. Couple things I learned:
-Make sure your cut down the middle is in the very center of the foam cylinder. When I put this on the shank, the eye was offset very slightly. This might affect the swim. Take a pen and make a dot right smack in the middle of the flat face so you don’t miss it.
- It helps to cut off 1/8” off the foam for a better fit.
- Make sure the foam fits on the hook before glueing it. Learned that the hard way.
Materials shown:
B10s 2/0
Gel Spun Thread 100 White
SF Flash Blend Fibers White
Lateral Scale 1/69” Opal
3/8 Foam Cylinder White
4mm Living Eyes Earth
Gel Super Glue
Optional: UV resin to stiffen the tail fibers
Relentless Fly Fishing also has a nice written tutorial on his website. There’s not much info on this fly on the web, kinda odd for such an effective little pattern.
Thanks for watching! Please like, subscribe, and share! Follow me on Insta @hi_im_erich

[@TexasTorpedo]

Nice. Gonna have to try tying that.

[@lorenzovillalobos1916]

And yes... this fly puts a HURTIN' on smallmouth and darn near anything that swims in water! SIDE NOTE* I'm pretty sure he ties a piece of mono on the back to prevent the tail from fouling the hook. But it works without it as well! CHEERS

[@1212streamer]

Yes, he does.

[@andydavidson4108]

The plug cutters were made by Sleazy Steve's Soggy Bottom Flies aka Steve Winters from Reedsburg, WI. I fished many times with Steve and I made the urn for his ashes. RIP friend.

[@1212streamer]

Todd Boyer...Out of E. TN.