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Gerard
10-08-2010, 03:05 AM
Over the years I’ve come across a lot of fascinating flytying materials. With the development in synthetic products it was bound to influence the flytying market.

Gummi Minnows are widely used, especially in saltwater fly fishing. Although the material is not difficult to use, it has a “quirkiness” about it which once understood opens up a world of possibilities in variants and color schemes.

I originally did the tying steps for Grassart (http://www.grassart.net), but thought it may be helpful to include it here as well.

It’s important to realize that the WAPSI brand of Gummi Body is sticky on both sides. As a result you will need the WAPSI Gummi Flash Foil, which sticks to the outside of the fly. By using “see-through” foil, such as the mother of pearl, you can combine various internal flash materials for added appeal.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_material.JPG

The Gummi Body product comes in sheets of “sticky” material that’s covered with paper on both sides. The first step is to cut out a template for the different size flies you want to construct – the paper backing included with the Gummy Body material is perfect for this. Use the template to trace the outline on the Gummi Body sheets and cut them out.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_1.JPG

Select a hook and tie in a section of lead wire on the bottom of the shank. This will add some weight to the fly as well as provide for a better “keel” on the fly. Various hooks can be used but I prefer one with a slightly larger gape.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_2.JPG

Peel off a section of the body material and place it on the far side of the shank – this will stick to the hook. Take care not to touch the “sticky side” of the Gummi Body with your fingers as this will reduce its “stickiness”.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_3.JPG

You can add various flash and eyes at this point, if you are using see-through flash foil.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_4.JPG

Fold the body over and press the two sides together. Make sure you don’t trap any air bubbles! Trapped bubbles can be removed by pricking them with a sharp bodkin.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_5.JPG

You can now peel off the outer paper of the Gummi Body. Cut off a sheet of flash foil and place on the outer body.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_6.JPG

Press the flash foil firmly against the Gummi Body, making sure to cover it completely. Slowly peel off the flash foil paper, which will leave the “flash” sticking unto the Gummi Body.

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_8.JPG

The options in color combinations are endless!

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_7.JPG

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_finish.JPG

http://www.grassart.net/Gerard/Flies/Gummi_peacock_back.JPG