The Foam Spider
We thought that this pattern would be a good pattern for the beginning fly tier to start with. The Foam Spider pattern is one of the most productive bluegill pattern that a person can tie. One afternoon I caught at least 50 plus bluegills just on this pattern. The foam bodies can be found in just about any fly shop or can be optained through any fly fishing mail order shop catalog. The come is a variety of sizes, two shapes and a variety of colors as shown in the picture below.

(Click on picture to enlarge)

The Foam Spider Tying Instructions & Materials

Hook: Mustad 94840 (#10 used for tying) or similar hook
Thread: Black 6/0
Body: #10 Foam Body
Legs: Small or medium Rubber hackle or Spanflex

Other Items that maybe helpful
Needle, Needle Threader, Razor Blade, Zap-A-Gap Glue

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Step 1: CAREFULLY take a razor and cut a seam in the bottom (flat portion) of the foam body.

Like in the second picture to the right.

Step 2: Lay a thread base on the hook stopping on the shank of the hook where the thread is even with the back barb of the hook.

Step 3: Move the thread foward to about 1/4 of the distance of the shank right behind the eye of the hook.

Step 4: CAREFULLY apply a small amount of Zap-A-Gap glue to cover the thread of the shank of the hook.

Step 5: With your fingers bend back the foam body and placed the crease over the shank of the hook.

Step 6: After Step 5 you should let the body rest for 2-3 minutes in order for the glue to set up. Your pattern should look like the picture on the right.

Step 7: Now make several wraps of thread around the foam body.

Step 8: Whip finish.

Step 9: If you are using Spanflex legs, fold one stran in half and cut. Do this with two pieces of Spanflex (will yield 4 sets of legs). If you are using rubber hackle cut 3 sets of legs about 3 inches in length.

Step 10: With the threader, put it through the eye of the needle and place part of the leg in the threader and pull the threader through the eye of the needle.

Like the far right picture.

Step 11: Push the needle through the foam spider body at an angle.

Step 12: Pull the needle through the foam spider body. Your pattern should look like the picture on the far right.

Step 13: Repeat Step 11 but on the other side of the foam spider body.

Step 14: Repeat Step 12.

Step 15: Repeat Step 11 but on the other side of the foam spider body, but straight through the side of the foam spider body.

Step 17: Repeat Step 12. Trim the legs to desired length/uniformity. The finished pattern.