Beginner’s Fly Tying Class: Nov. 18, 2019

By Don Fine

The November Beginner’s Fly Tying session will feature the Schminnow. The Schminnow pattern was developed by Norm Zeigler, prominent fly fishing guide, author, and shop keeper. Norm originally developed the Schminnow as a baitfish pattern to imitate small silvery-white baitfish. While the fly is very effective at catching snook, it works equally well as a fresh water pattern for bass and perhaps trout that would take a baitfish.

An interesting feature of the Schminnow is its effectiveness in also imitating shrimp, in that it lands delicately on the water, thus not spooking sensitive fish — in contrast to heavier flies like the Clouser Minnow, which splash upon entering the water. Larry Forte and I used the Schminnow on separate fly fishing outings on the Florida coast, near Sanibel, for catching numerous snook.

The November Beginner’s Fly Tying will be held on Monday, November 18, at 7:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, room 207. Tying materials will be provided for all who attend and basic tying equipment will be available for those needing equipment.