Here is a basic step by step look at two methods for tying weed guards for flies used in structure. The first one is a double wire weed guard and the second a single mono weed guard. The gauge of the wire or mono is dependent on the size of the hook and it's gape,especially with mono complete loops. I use 40 lb Stainless Steel game wire for both single and double guards and 25-35lb med-hard mono on mono guards. Here are examples of a single and a double wire weed guard and a single mono guard.

The wire used on the wire guards 40 lb single strand SSteel.....in this case a double guard I cut a length approx. 50-60 mm long and bend it into a tight "V" shape - the hook size is a #2 Gamakatsu B10S. Lay a bed of thread (flat waxed nylon in this case)ready for the wire to be tied in.

Hold the wire against the gap between the eye and the hook point to measure where to tie it in on the shank so that when bent the tip of the wire just protrudes beyond the hook point - COMPRENDE'. Tie in one side of the wire first and then tie over both to "lock" it in place. Align the doubled wire on top of the shank so that it protrudes either side of the hook eye. Don't bend it into shape yet as it will impede tying the rest of the fly. Tie the fly as per normal and then bend the wire legs splayed apart so that they are just ahead of the hook point. You can make them longer and bend the tips back horizontal to the hook shank like little skis - this makes it particularly easy to crawl a fly across the tops of logs etc. This fly is a bass popper designed for a local lake that has thick sub surface weed beds as well as lily pads that the bass love to hide in so you can cast it right up the back then bring it forward. Weed guards have one disadvantage though they often become fish guards especially on fish that feed by implosion of the mouth eg peacocks,aussie bass,barramundi etc so the hook up to hit ratio is pretty low but often the surface hit alone is worth it. Cheers Pat.

The mono weed guard can be tied single or double but I find doubles a bit fiddly so if I want a double I use wire. Just test the mono against the hook gape to gauge whether it is suitable - soft mouthed fishes may need lighter guards while something like the strike of a Toman could bend 50 lb out of the way quiet easily. In general fish as light as you can which seems to be with alot of fishing. I'm sure there are times when a Toman sips a fly as subtle as a trout so having a couple of different variation of the same fly is always a good way to cover all bases. This guard is being used on a Vampire style of fly for Australian Bass and Saratoga (a relative of the Arrowanas)so will be used deep in snags as well as weed beds.Lightly weighted with bead chain and a wing of marabou for max. movement on the drop and strip. ############## OK lay a bed of thread from behind the eye right down to half way of the bend, Bring the thread back, lay the oversized length of mono on top,tie it in with close wraps maintaining the mono top centre of the shank by using your finger nail to push it into position. Cover mono right round the bend and leave thread ready to tie in the body just above the hook point. Depending on what fly you are tying plan it so the thread ends behind the eye to tie in the mono last. This fly the bead chain eyes could have been tied in after the initial base thread was laid or after the chenille body was wound forward. The wing is tied in leaving room behind the eye for the guard to be tied off.

Thread the mono through the eye of the hook and form the desired size loop. Tie a few wraps of thread over the single mono on top then fold the mono under between the bead chain eyes,using your finger nail push down on the top of the mono whilst over wrapping with thread. Cut off the excess mono with a tapered end and cover over with thread. Finish off with head cement - the best is Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails nail protector. Fish it in deep where you never expect it to come back. Cheers Pat

Finished... Cheers Pat.

Nice post with good SBS picture mate ! although I have yet tie 1 with weed guard...keep it coming....

Thanks for sharing.

Good stuff!

Good stuff!

Cheers fellas glad you liked it. Just remember weed guards often become fish guards with you pulling the fly out of a fishes mouth with out the point finding its mark so only use them when really necassary. Cheers Pat.