The first time I ever heard of the cormorant fly was about ten years ago Steve Perkins was lucky enough to draw Graham Pearson at one of our spring events. Graham caught all eight of his fish in a little under two hours using the most basic of patterns. Many variations on the theme have since materialised and this is one of the most effective.

For this fly I am using a Kamasan B175 size 12 hook, I have cast my thread onto the hook as you can see.

 Wrap the thread down the hook shank and add some mylar pearl tinsel to the butt of the fly, then wrap the thread half way up the hook shank keeping nice even turns.

Then tie in some glo-brite no 5 half way along the hook shank. Then wrap the glo-brite up towards the top of the hook but leave enough room at the top of the hook to tie in the wing. Then trim off the excess glo-brite.

 Tightly wrap the pearl tinsel up the hook shank to keep the dressing even and to give the body a slim profile. Tie in the tinsel and trim off the excess.

Tie in a slim marabou wing, I prefer to wet the end you are tying into the marabou prior to attaching the wing.

Add jungle cock cheeks (optional), build up a small head with the black thread. Then whip finish and varnish the fly. You can see the effect of the glo-brite under the tinsel

The finished fly ideal as a middle dropper for the early season matches. Thanks to Kitck for this step by step demo.