Well its not really another Black Ghost, but a variation. The Black Ghost was originated by Herb Welch of Oquossoc Maine back in 1927. It was tied with a featherwing, and was a pattern that has gained prominence world wide for its ability to take game fish. Its early years saw many landlocked salmon and trophy brook trout taken with it. It soon began working its magic on brown, and rainbow trout as well as Atlantic salmon and bass. There have been anglers who have tied these extra long and used them in the salt water for striped bass.
This is a variation of that Herb Welch classic. It's the Black Ghost Marabou. This fly uses the same materials as the featherwing version only the wing material is marabou. Marabou is that soft downy feather from a turkey. It's probably best know for its use in the wooly bugger. I'm not sure who created the Black Ghost Marabou, but I can say that the first fly tyer to use marabou in this fashion was A.W. Ballou of Litchfield Maine. He created a marabou streamer to represent a smelt, in 1921. The fly was known as the Ballou Special.
I tied these Black Ghost Marabou streamers using the materials pictured in the first photo. I tie them in size 10, 8, and 6. In the water these flies come alive, their marabou wings move ever so seductively bringing vicious strikes.
While the pattern does not require eyes, some tyers will paint an eye or some will use Jungle Cock. The fly below I tied with a Jungle Cock feather, and photographed it wet to show the working profile.
Any serious streamer angler will have the Black Ghost Marabou in their box.
Dang that fly looks even prettier wet than it does dry. Not the case many times.
ReplyDeleteKevin Frank,
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Your right Kevin. Dry it looks like a feather duster but wet it gets it done.
Alan
ReplyDeleteEvery streamer you tie seems to show off a remarkable color pattern that would irresistible to any trout. Outstanding work at the bench!!
Bill Trussell,
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This pattern has proven itself just to do that.
Love how those flies look wet. Great job!
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini,
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They do take on that look of "hit me now"
Beautiful Alan. You're making a believer out of me.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
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Now make one out of me. I have faith in you friend.
One of my favorite fish finders on local streams for many years. Always have a few on hand!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
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Pete you are a wise man. But I kind of suspected you would carry some.
What a beauty.
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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I know your love for the muddler, perhaps you might be able to incorporate the best of both and create a killer pattern.
That wet maribou tie inspires me to carry some of these when I visit the tribs this fall. Thanks again, Alan.
ReplyDeleterivertoprambles,
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Walt when they are tied on a size 10 hook they make wonderful small stream flies.
Your ties, whether simple or complicated, always look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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I appreciate that Mike.