#19 - Shang's Special Variant

Tied by: Mike Boyer
Originated by: Carrie G. Stevens
Source: Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies - Hilyard Pg.7 - 8, 146 - 147

Hook: Gaelic Supreme Mike Martinek Rangeley Streamer 6xl
Thread: Black
body: Flat silver tinsel
Belly: White bucktail
Underwing: 6 stands peacock herl (may be tied in as belly)
Wing: 2 complete jungle cock nails same length as the peacock herl
Shoulder: Red golden pheasant breast
Eye: Jungle cock nail
Head: Black (red with black band)

Notes: Mike tied a fantastic version of the Shang's Special using the red golden pheasant in place of the dyed red duck or hen. It really gives this already unique classic a new look. The Shang's Special is a nod to Carrie's friend and mentor Charles Edward Wheeler, for whom she also created the Shang's Favorite and the Charles E. Wheeler streamers.

On July 1, 1924, Carrie landed a trophy brook trout weighing in at 6lbs 13oz that put her into the national spotlight when she submitted the catch to a contest hosted by Field and Stream. When the trout was mounted, it was Shang's Special that was placed along with the trout, and presented to Wheeler. The original entry in the Upper Dam Fish Record stated the fly used to catch the brookie was "Shang's Go-Getum". It is unclear if the Go-Getum was an early version of the Shang's Special or if it the fly had simply undergone a name change.