<<< continued from page 2 Step 9 Time to give this hippie a hair cut! There are several options you can use to trim the head to the desired shape.  For this fly I will be using electric hair clippers.  You will find that a razor blade is also very effective and, to be honest, is what I would be using if I had any on hand. First, turn the fly upside-down and trim the bottom flat and level.  Trim as close to the shank as possible, but be careful not to get too close or you’ll cut your thread wraps.  If the bottom is not flat and level the fly will spin while being retrieved underwater.  It might be a good idea to take a pair of tying scissors with you on the water in case you need to do any fine tuning.  Once you have trimmed the bottom, flip the fly over so it is right side up and trim the head so it is “bullet” shaped.  Leave a collar of flared deer hair behind the tapered head; trim the collar so it is twice the radius of the body.  A couple important things the collar does; it helps to simulate gills, and it will cause the fly to dive when being retrieved under water.  If you check out the photo below, I have the fly “rough” trimmed.  Since I used hair clippers for this fly, I have to go over it with a pair of scissors and get all the wild hairs trimmed to proper length.  Something else I do is to tie a couple with a half-collar; this is one of the ways I simulate injured baitfish, and when stripped back from a cast it causes the fly to dart to the side that still has the collar.  Give it a try!   Step 10 Once you have trimmed the head to the proper shape, reattach the thread at the hook eye.  Pull the end of the mono up and figure out where your tie in point will be.  Bend the mono at the tie in point and pinch from the bent point on the mono forward with pliers, or melt a bead in the end and tie it in.  Trim excess and whip finish.  Coat thread wraps with head cement.   Step 11 If you choose you can add eyes to this fly.  I am using 7 mm. doll eyes.  Simply figure out where you want them on the head, put a drop of super glue there, and attach.   That’s it.  Oh, wait, one more thing - mass produce these and have fun fishing them!   Hatches Magazine Subscription Price: $6.95 for each issue The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st. Hatches Magazine Subscription Price: $6.95 for each issue The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st.