MINI DECEIVER

Lefty Kreh originally designed the deceiver as a saltwater fly, but recently it has become popular as a great baitfish imitation for freshwater fish of all types. I first used the mini deceiver in the early 1970's when I came to Jindabyne on a ski trip. I had read in a magazine that many of the large fish taken from the lake in winter were full of baby "carp". Don't panic!! They're not the dreaded European carp but the Crucian variety usually kept as ornamental fish. These were apparently introduced into the area as early as 1885!

I had tied the small deceivers to cast to tailor and Australian salmon off Newport reef near Sydney. On a day off from skiing, I fished the mini deceivers around the islands off East Jindabyne. I took several large rainbows. The one that I took home to smoke was full of baby carp.

This season, the large rainbows and browns have again been feasting on the carp, and fish up to 8lb have been taken. Remember, the deceiver is a style of tying and the colours can be varied.

Hook: Mustad 3761 or equivalent size #4 or #6.
Thread: White 6/0 unithread or clear mono thread.
Tail: Four hackle tips two on each side, tied with the curves facing inwards. Tie in right at the bend of the hook. Tie in one strand of pearl crystal flash on either side of the hackle tips.
Body: (Optional) Mylar strip, silver or gold to match the hackle and wing colours.Tie in just in front of the tail, and bring the thread forward to about 1/8th inch from the eye of the hook. Wind the mylar forward and tie off.
Wing: Tie in a small bunch of calf tail on the near side of the hook and just behind the eye. The tips of the hair must reach to behind the bend of the hook to prevent the tail wrapping around the bend. Now tie a similar bunch on the other side of the hook. Turn the hook upside down and tie in a small bunch of red material as a beard to represent the flared gills of a chased fish. This material may be red calf tail, red crystal flash or whatever takes your fancy! Finally, turn the fly up the right way again and tie in the top wing of calf tail. This should be slightly longer than the side wings. and can either be white or a contrasting colour. Experiment with colours. Some of my favourite minis are white tails with white sides and grey or tan top and grizzly tails with grey sides and blue or black top. I believe that eyes are very important on baitfish flies and either use stick on eyes to suit the size of the hook or I paint eyes using model paint. Coat the head and eyes with 5 minute epoxy and when dry,

Go fishing!

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