Cicada X - Xtra

Cicada X . Xtra- 2016 version

There was many Cicada pattern that I have tied... this is one which I like most and simplified.

Materials list:

 Close Cell foam - 3mm thk

Luminous bead + mono line

rubber legs

UV flashabou

Bucktail

some transparent fiber from your paint brush

Toothpick or Ice cream stick

 Loons soft head

Markers

Picture step by step tying instruction:

Cut the foam as per the shape, insert a black foam and fused both together ( edge only )

Use a nail polisher as the support... insert your foam body

Tie in the segment

trim the edge so the body looks nice 

Use a permanent marker and paint the body to mimic the colour of the cicada in your area

Use a toothpick, punch a hole at the center of bottom ( to the location where your hook will peel thru ), insert the hook with the hook eye first... this will make sure your hook will always at the right position

Tie in a pair of toothpick or a pre-cut Ice cream stick... these will create a good 'flat' base for your foam to tie on and will stop the foam from twisting 

Tie down the foam body, also tie down the black foam, you may choose to drop a drop of super glue before you tie it down but the flat wooden base is actually pretty strong to hold the foam.

Cut the head profile foam piece and insert in from front

Tie in the eye... and then tie in the paint brush fibers, flashabou and bucktail ( or any long deer/elk hair you you have )

fold the foam over, drop a drop of super glue and tie down just behind the eye

use a needle to bring the pre-knoted rubber legs thru the foam

apply some Loons soft head on the foam, this will help keep your marker's colour and protect the fly

The soft head will also keep the rubber legs in place.

Cheers and Happy tying