Fine tuning Spoon and Ribbon Flies ???

[SamRiley]

In preparation for my first Red and Trout expedition I'm working on some Ribbon Flies. This is my first time tying them and I have never fished with them. Question is.... how fussy do I have to be with the hook bend and trimming the spoon shape? The shape in particular has me stumped. Which way should I make them so that they perform best?

Many thanks,
Sam

[Snuffy]

For the most part I've seen the oval design, 2nd from the left. The important point is to make it so it will wobble back and forth and not spin that much. Just looing for short relatively slow strips that will cause a wobble then wait for the hookup. Strip strike is important as always. Good Luck, Snuffy

[lemaymiami]

Hi Sam,
Here's a site that should have everything you need. It's fly-rodding.net, the website for Emerald Coast fly club. They have two spoon fly patterns listed, along with tying instructions and step by step photos... I like the epoxy spoon fly and tie it in small sizes, rarely more than an inch long. their photos will show the shape you want. I have to water test each one since I just can't tell which ones will flutter the way they have to... I don't use any shock tippet when fishing them either since the fly doesn't move enough with any kind of heavy leader. I only use them in clear shallow water with very spooky reds that's why the small sizes...