The Green Comet

The Comet has got to be one of the most popular salmon flies.

Tied in small sizes (Size 8 and 10), sparsely tied Comets are perfect for sockeye. Since sockeye are easily spooked, the smaller the fly the better.

Edge Brite is a synthetic material which comes in a plastic sheet. When it is cut in strips, the edge is fluorescent. It is usually tied over flat silver tinsel which shines through the Edge Brite. When it is overlapped, a ribbed effect is created.

It is extremely brilliant and perfect for salmon.

Most Edge Brite and Lazer Wrap (a substitute) packages come with instructions and an enclosed pattern.

There are also many other flies that use this Edge Brite effectively, shrimp patterns in particular.

RECIPE

Hook: Mustad 36890 or similar salmon hook, Sizes 2-10

Thread: Black UNI-thread 8/0

Tail: Black calf tail, same length as the body (sparse)

Rib: None

Body: Fluorescent green Edge Brite (or Lazer Wrap) over flat silver tinsel, dumbbell at front

Wing: None

Hackle: Two turns of black cock hackle behind the dumbbell

TYING A GREEN COMET

Step 1

Make a good base by wrapping thread over the hook shank.

Tie in the black calf tail, loop your thread around and under the calf tail and position the calf tail at a slightly upward angle.

Step 2

Prepare a strip of Edge Brite by simply cutting a narrow strip with a pair of scissors, tapering to a point at one end.

Tie in this strip by the pointed end with the shank opposite you.

Tie in a strip of flat tinsel (gold side facing you) at the middle of the shank.

When you start wrapping the tinsel in the next step, the silver side will be facing you when you wrap.

Step 3

Wrap the tinsel backwards to the tail and forward, toward the eye, and tie off.

Wrap the Edge Brite forward over, lapping each previous turn and tie off.

Leave enough space to tie in the dumbbell and hackle.

Step 4

Tie in the dumbbell on top of the shank with a series of figure-8 wraps making sure it is secure.

Step 5

Tie in a small black cock hackle behind the dumbbell and two turns of the hackle.

Wrap through the hackle and tie the hackle slightly backward.

Finish the head with the lacquer or varnish of your choice.

Bruce Ross has been hooked on fly fishing and tying his own flies since the early 1970s and has fished throughout Canada and the US. Contact him at [email protected].

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