Body Parts: Eyes and rubber legs.

In fly dressing, eyes and legs enhance the realism and action of a fly, with eyes adding visual appeal and legs creating movement and attracting fish. Here’s a breakdown of how they’re used: 

Eyes:

• Purpose:

Eyes, particularly those made of materials like dumbbell eyes or bead chain eyes, add a realistic look to the fly, potentially making it more attractive to fish. 

• Types:
  • Dumbbell eyes: These are typically used for nymphs and streamers. 
  • Bead chain eyes: These are also used for nymphs and streamers, adding weight and a realistic look. 
  • Barbell eyes: These are another type of eye used to add weight and a realistic look to flies. 
• Dressing Technique:
  • Start with a thread base on the hook shank, slightly behind the eye of the hook. 
  • Wrap the dumbbell or barbell eye diagonally across the thread and then alternate wrapping back and forth over the eyes. 
  • Secure the eyes with firm thread wraps and consider using glue or head cement for added durability. 

Legs:

• Purpose:

Legs, often made of rubber or other materials, add movement and action to the fly, making it more enticing for fish. 

• Types:
  • Rubber legs: These are a popular choice for adding movement and action to flies. 
  • Sili-legs: Another type of material that can be used to create legs. 
• Dressing Technique:
  • Fold the rubber leg material in half and tie it in just in front of the eyes with several tight turns of thread. 
  • Snip the loop at its midpoint and pull the legs in opposite directions to snap them into the correct orientation. 
  • Adjust the positions of the legs so they are where you want them and secure them with firm thread wraps.