Black Spider

**NeilH** · 02-23-2010, 07:29 AM

As a newcomer to fly tying I was attracted to tying spiders (soft hackles) because of their simplicity - I mean what can be difficult about tying a feather to a hook with a bit of silk? :roll: - I quickly learned the error of my thinking :oops: Anyway, until now I've steered clear of Stewart style spiders, but with the trout season fast approaching and several new small streams and rivers to be explored (I've just joined a new club) I thought it was time I tied a few of Stewart's Black Spiders (I understand it wasn't his pattern, but everyone seems to know it by that name). Here are a couple of early attempts. Initially I was very pleased with the first one, but on reflection, realised it was far too neat and tidy. I think the second one is getting there, but is a bit over-hackled. Critical (or even non-critical) comments welcome :)

**AndyBaird** · 02-23-2010, 07:50 AM

Hi NeilH,

Other's know more about this pattern and originator than me, but from a purely aesthetic perspective, they both look fantastic. Lovely flies... and I'm a sucker for neat tying, so #1 looks great to me.

Keep 'em coming!

Best,
Andy

**CM_Stewart** · 02-23-2010, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by NeilH

I think the second one is getting there, but is a bit over-hackled.

In WC Stewart's own words: "The spider is made rather more bushy than is advisable at first, as the trout's teeth would otherwise tear it away too fast. After capturing a dozen trout it will be spare enough."

The Black Spider was given to Stewart by James Baillie, but we have no information about who gave it to Baillie. Since Stewart gave it to the world, we call it the Stewart Spider (or at least I do, and will as long as my name is Stewart ;) ).

**Danny S** · 02-24-2010, 05:21 AM

I believe they will both catch fish. Good job! And the quote from Mr Stewart is a good rule to go by. What did you use for the bodies? The second looks like a much "flatter" thread than the first.

**NeilH** · 02-24-2010, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by Danny S

I believe they will both catch fish. Good job! And the quote from Mr Stewart is a good rule to go by. What did you use for the bodies? The second looks like a much "flatter" thread than the first.

Cheers Danny, the first one is Pearsall's Gold waxed with cobbler's wax, the second is Pearsall's Brown unwaxed. I suspect it is the wax that is adding bulk and making the thread look different.

**palewatery** · 02-24-2010, 01:48 PM

Those are both really cool.
Tidy or scruffy hackle I'm not sure I have a preference either way, I think they'll both look the part underwater. I do like the waxed silk though, the way a bit of colour comes through the wax is sweet, the brown is cool but I like the wax variant.

Jim

**NeilH** · 02-24-2010, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by palewatery

Those are both really cool.
Tidy or scruffy hackle I'm not sure I have a preference either way, I think they'll both look the part underwater. I do like the waxed silk though, the way a bit of colour comes through the wax is sweet, the brown is cool but I like the wax variant.

Jim

Cheers Jim, the body on this one (Partridge and Orange) is waxed with some Veniards Tacky wax but the head isn't - I'm with you, I like the wax effect.

**NeilH** · 02-24-2010, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by AndyBaird

Hi NeilH,

Other's know more about this pattern and originator than me, but from a purely aesthetic perspective, they both look fantastic. Lovely flies... and I'm a sucker for neat tying, so #1 looks great to me.

Keep 'em coming!

Best,
Andy

A dangerous thing to say Andy :D I love spiders - might end up with pages and pages of them. I saw a really nice pattern here (http://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot. ... -swap.html) earlier that I'm going to have to try :roll: