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Joe Schmuecker's Pine Cone
Joe's Pinecone
Recipe Hook: Tiemco 5263/5262, size 2-8 Thread: Uni-thread 6/0 (color to match body) Cone: Tungsten (size to match hook) Body: Pine Squirrel(barred)
Let’s get the story straight on who was the originator of this pattern. Joe Schmuecker who is one of the son’s at Wapsi is the one who promoted this pattern about five years ago when he was at the conclave. He’s the guy who dies everything. And they’re the ones that first thought about bringing pine squirrel into the tying world. I’m glad they did because these are very effective patterns anywhere you go. I’ve caught several different types of fish on these as well. I’ve had better luck at night catching rainbows, but the best luck I’ve had on this pattern is catching smallmouth on Kings River. If you’ve never floated this river I suggest you try it out. You won’t be disappointed that’s for sure.
Step 1.
Slide the bead on and get the thread started behind the cone and wind to the bend.
Step 2.
Measure the tail a little shorter then the hook shank and split it to be tied in. You can also wet your fingers to keep the hair separated so it doesn’t get in the way when tying it in. I’m using a barred strip, but use whatever color you like.
Step 3.
Make about five wraps of thread in the same spot and then lift the tail and tie right in front of it. This will also help keep it locked in tighter and prevent it from shifting around the hook. Advance the thread back up right behind the cone.
Step 4.
Now palmer the strip up until you get to the bead. Make sure every time you make a turn around the hook shank with the strip you’re pulling back the hair so it’s laying back and not being tied down. And don’t overlap the hide, keep it side by side. When you get up to the cone you might want to do one more turn to get the hair to push up into the cone.
Step 5.
Now cut the excess off and make a few more turns securing it. Whip finish the fly. I also add some glue and try to get it up into the cone.
