LeechMayer's Mini Jig Leech
Mayer's Mini Jig Leech is Tim Cammisa's jig hook adaptation of Landon Mayer's Mini Leech featuring a UV-resin coated Krystal Flash body. The jig hook design reduces snags while the green flash body adds visual appeal in clear water. A modern competition-style take on the proven Mini Leech formula.
Year Round
Intermediate
Trout
Overview
This pattern variation by Tim Cammisa demonstrates how small modifications can enhance classic designs. The Krystal Flash body coated with UV resin creates a durable, translucent body that catches light differently than traditional materials. The gray ostrich collar provides a subtle transition from the bright body to the dark squirrel wing. Popular in competition fishing where durability and fish-catching ability are equally important.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Hanak H 450 BL, #10
Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk 18/0, black
Bead: Slotted tungsten bead, 3.5mm, silver
Body: Krystal Flash, green, coated with Solarez Bone Dry UV resin
Wing: Micro pine squirrel zonker strip, black
Collar: Ostrich herl, gray
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round with peak performance in spring and fall. The flash body is particularly effective in clear water conditions typical of western tailwaters and spring creeks. Winter fishing is productive in slower, deeper water.
Presentation
Euro nymph with tight-line techniques for maximum sensitivity and control. The jig hook allows for aggressive drifts through structure without excessive snags. In stillwater, use a slow hand-twist retrieve with pauses to let the flash body catch light.
When to Use
Select this pattern for clear water conditions where the flash body provides additional attraction without bulk. Excellent choice when fish are holding near structure where the snag-resistant jig hook shines. Works well when standard Mini Leech patterns are refused.
Water Type
Designed for clear western rivers but effective in various conditions. Excels in tailwaters, spring creeks, and freestone streams with good visibility. The compact size and quick sink make it effective in deeper runs and pools up to 8 feet.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 10-12 foot euro leader with 5X-6X fluorocarbon tippet. Works excellently as a point fly in a two-nymph euro rig with a lighter attractor pattern as dropper. The tungsten bead provides sufficient weight for most euro presentations without additional weight.
Visibility & Floatation
The 3.5mm tungsten bead provides rapid sink rates for reaching holding fish quickly. The Krystal Flash body reflects available light, creating flash visible to fish in clear water. The UV resin coating creates a smooth, durable surface that maintains its appearance through multiple fish catches.
