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Tying the New Zealand Killer style lures.

This unique style of lure is popular in many flies such as Hamills Killer, Mrs. Simpson, Lords Killer, Kilwell #1, Kilwell #2, and Black Pete

They are relatively easy to tie using the following steps.

1. Tail of squirrel or possum fur is tied onto hook, the tail is usually kept short and fairly thick. Optionally a tag of golden pheasant tippets is sometimes tied in along top of tail.

2. A rear body section is formed approx one third the hook shank in length and tied from wool, floss or chenille. Different patterns call for different colors but red (night time) and yellow (daytime) are most popular.

3. Two matching feathers as required by the pattern are chosen for the rear of the fly, these are usually 'spade' shaped breast feathers, either natural or dyed. One feather is tied on each side of the hook, taking care to keep them touching at the top and slightly splayed at the bottom, tent shaped when viewed from the rear of the fly.

4. The front body section is now formed, approx half the hook shank in length, keep it slim so the feathers do not bulged out.

5. Four feathers are chosen for the front body of the fly, they must be all of same size and shape. Length should be so that when laid against body at the tie in position they are slightly shorter than the existing hind body to give a slight tapering effect. Tie them in two to each side, again slightly splayed top to bottom. Some feathers will require more than two feathers in order to get depth of color (Lords killer may use 4 or even 5 per side)

6. Tie off a neat head and whip finish.

Variants

In the smaller sizes sometimes the rear body and feathers are omitted and the fly just consists of one segment, In larger or long shank hook sizes sometimes additional body segments are included.

Some tiers like to wrap a few wraps of lead onto the shank before beginning the fly.

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