Step-by-step articulated sculpin pattern

[muskrat]

I have overwhelming requests to post a sbs for this pattern. It is not very hard and these are fairly new products ( the heads and shanks).
I did not have a crazy amount of time today to spend on it but I hope what I did helps and if anyone has questions feel free to post or pm me.

I used 2 body colors for the step by step so it is easier to coordinate what I am doing through pictures for the viewers.

-Materials
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/1_zpsa5bfe9d3.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/1_zpsa5bfe9d3.jpg.html)

-I ran out of the stinger hooks I normally use so I used the next best hook I had for the job. Use whatever you like.
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/2_zpsc70eb1c7.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/2_zpsc70eb1c7.jpg.html)

-http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/3_zps9dd721ff.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/3_zps9dd721ff.jpg.html)

-Choose a nice piece of rabbit, I prefer crosscut
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/4_zpse13e0cf5.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/4_zpse13e0cf5.jpg.html)

-Cut the tip of the rabbit to a point so it does not leave a big bulge after tying in
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/5_zps980ea6dd.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/5_zps980ea6dd.jpg.html)

[muskrat]

-Start wrapping the material forward, pull the hair back after every wrap so it does not become trapped leaving bald spots on the fly. I also overlap each wrap to build a nice full body.
-NOTE: After you tie a few I suggest using superglue on the shank of the hook before wrapping the rabbit forward. It secures the body and makes the fly more durable.
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/6_zps4653e5e6.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/6_zps4653e5e6.jpg.html)

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/7_zpsb15cf26c.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/7_zpsb15cf26c.jpg.html)

-Tie the material off and head cement/glue the head
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/8_zps87604a3a.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/8_zps87604a3a.jpg.html)

-Attach the second shank
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/9_zps4e7bfbc0.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/9_zps4e7bfbc0.jpg.html)

-Tie in the second piece of rabbit (Like I said, I am only using 2 colors for step by step purposes but 2 color combos can make some great flys with this pattern)
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/11_zps52875974.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/11_zps52875974.jpg.html)

[muskrat]

-Wrap it forward and tie it off
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/12_zps29fed9dc.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/12_zps29fed9dc.jpg.html)

-I like tying in some red cheeks, looks good and the fish dont complain whatsoever lol. I use rabbit for this as well
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/13_zpsc24d4f8f.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/13_zpsc24d4f8f.jpg.html)

-Trim the red rabbit and tie it down, then tie in a few strands of crystal flash/rainbow flash/any kind of flash that you feel suites the pattern.
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/15_zps4c2f0e24.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/15_zps4c2f0e24.jpg.html)

-Make sure everything is tied down, whip finish and glue the head
NOTE: I recommend super glue
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/16_zpsc5b25567.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/16_zpsc5b25567.jpg.html)

-Push the Sculpin Head on, Remember, I use superglue before sliding the head on as it helps secure the head and they are to expensive to lose.
-Then in front of the Sculpin head build a little bit of thread off so if the head were to come loose it would not fall off.

-Once the sculpin head is on I add the eyes then coat the whole head in my "Rock Hard" varnish as it secures the eyes and gives the head a nice slick look.
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/17_zpse6fbcf91.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/17_zpse6fbcf91.jpg.html)

Hope this is enough to help everyone out.

[muskrat]

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/18_zpsd9987e3d.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/18_zpsd9987e3d.jpg.html)
http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t608/troutbugfisher/DSCF4847_zps1e71be0b.jpg (http://s1316.photobucket.com/user/troutbugfisher/media/DSCF4847_zps1e71be0b.jpg.html)

[fester]

nice writeup and excelent looking flies. I am new to tying and love trying new patterns.

Thanks

[ydouask]

Hey Muskrat... that's a beautiful demonstration you've produced, thanks. Love your flies ! :-D

[muskrat]

thanks guys, hope it helps

[landphil]

Those are awesome! You've come dangerously close to getting me to drag out my long-neglected vise and try tying some of my own again.