#47 - Mike's Red Ghost Special

Tied by: Mike Martinek
Originated by: Mike Martinek

Hook: Gaelic Supreme Mike Martinek Rangeley Streamer 8xl
Thread: White
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Body: Red / scarlet Floss
Ribbing: Flat silver tinsel
Belly: Red bucktail
Throat: Golden pheasant crest and red schlappen
Underwing: Peacock herl and a long golden pheasant crest
Wing: Red hackle two per side with one slate gray hackle outside 2/3 as long
Shoulder: Silver pheasant
Cheek: Jungle cock
Head: Black

Notes: Originally designed in the 1968 as a Red Ghost variation, the Mike's Red Ghost Special is one of Mike Martinek's signature patterns (along with the Sandbar Smelt and Royal Marine). Red flies have proven successful for near-surface, early-season trolling for landlocked salmon. The shortened gray hackles were incorporated to 'tame' or 'tone down' the red wing and provide a more smelt-like shading. This streamer is particularly effective on dark, overcast days with a spitting rain.

* Specail thanks to Chris Del Plato for sharing this pattern from his collection.