Articulated Zoo Cougar (Heifer Groomer)

[alanb_ct]

The May 2007 issue of Fly Fisherman has several new flies from Kelly Galloup, including his version of articulating the zoo cougar. This new fly is called the "Heifer Groomer," and basically contains two cougars tied on size 2-6 3XL hooks jointed with wire. The rear half also has a mallard flank, but no spun deer head, instead with several palmered maribou plumes. I'll get to work tying some and post pictures when I'm done. What an awesome fly.

He says in the article that "[the fly] produced almost all of our big fish from the Madison in 2005" and calls it a must-have fly.

Streamer flies continue to grow in popularity and in size!

[AaronJasper]

are you talking about the articulated zoo cougar? that fly has caught rich torrey and i some really nice fish over the last three years. it is very similar to the fly you are talking about.

[SlowNDeep]

alan
i have a bead shop right downtown, thay have all kinds of beads.

if you dont find what you're looking for, drop me a note with sizes and I'll grab some for you

[AaronJasper]

alan... the beads help to keep the hooks from getting caught up with each other. i would think that the red beads are used more as a trigger to get the fish to strike. i use mostly medium size clear beads.

[finchaser]

Hey guys this is my first post here I just thought that i would share this fly with you. Aaron asked me if i would post it here so i am. This fly is awesome anytime you are looking for big fish. Kelley Galloup is my hero, when it comes to streamers. He is the man. I hope you enjoy it.

[alanb_ct]

Please visit this web-site in the near future for tying instructions on this fly. I have tested an articulated (tandem) hook connection using 50lb mono, 4 beads, GSP thread and super glue. With a pliers, I was able to straighten the rear hook before the connection failed, so it is quite strong. I am also experimenting with using nylon coated metal stranded leader material for the connection as Galloup suggests. I bought some 20lb stranded leader to try.

[finchaser]

[quote author=alanb_ct link=topic=265.msg2722#msg2722 date=1176812598]
Please visit this web-site in the near future for tying instructions on this fly. I have tested an articulated (tandem) hook connection using 50lb mono, 4 beads, GSP thread and super glue. With a pliers, I was able to straighten the rear hook before the connection failed, so it is quite strong. I am also experimenting with using nylon coated metal stranded leader material for the connection as Galloup suggests. I bought some 20lb stranded leader to try.
[/quote]

I use either 15 or 20 lb american fishing wire, i have never had it break. That way you can use the AFW for pike or saltwater rigging too.