A Fly Fishing Fly. Barbless hook. Using a Bomb Bead and Coq De Leon Body. This pattern is the FL CDL Bomb by Brady Laehr

FL CDL Bomb Fly Tying: Step-by-Step Guide

The FL (Fluorescent) CDL (Coq De Leon) Bomb has become my go-to nymph. I use it in a variety of settings and rigging conditions. It’s a superb option when tightline nymphing (Euro Nymphing), as a dropper, or integrated into a multi-nymph indicator rig. This bug can be adapted to imitate a variety of sub-aquatic insects. Due to its over-weighted, front-loaded bead, it gets down where you need it quickly. The unique, naturally translucent body material makes this a lifelike fly. The fluorescing thread adds attractor qualities.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

A close-up image of a fishing hook with a bead attached to it, against a blue background.
A close-up image of a green spool of thread with a fishing hook attached, held by a pair of pliers.
Close-up image of a fishing hook with a shiny metal bead attached, and green thread wound around the hook, set against a light blue background.

Set your hook in the vise and begin wrapping thread. This pattern is tied on a Perdijig-style hook. It uses a Fluorescent thread that pops when hit with UV light. The example is tied with FL. Green, but I also tie it with FL. Orange and FL. Chartreuse. Use the thread to secure the bead in place by making a tapered thread dam.

A close-up of a hand holding a fishing hook while preparing to tie materials, featuring a metallic bead and some feathers in the background.
Close-up of a fly tying technique showing a green thread wrapped around a hook with a shiny bead and long tail fibers.
Close-up of a fly tying setup with a hook, green thread, and feathers.
Close-up of a fishing lure with a metallic bead head and green thread wrapped around the hook, resting on a black vise against a blue background.

At the tail. This, along with the body, is where the pattern gets its name. Select a bundle of CDL (Coq De Leon) feathers. Ensure the tips are aligned. A hair stacker can be used if things get out of order. Measure the tail to match the length of the hook shank. Then, secure it on the back of the fly. Be sure to sneak a thread wrap under the tail. This helps to avoid the material slipping down the bend of the hook. Walk the thread forward towards the bead, covering the butt ends of the CDL feather. This helps to add the right girth to the fly. Trim off the excess once you reach the bead.

Close-up of a hand holding a feather while tying a fishing fly with a green thread and black bead head.
Close-up of a hand tying a fishing fly with a green thread on a hook, featuring a silver bead head and a feather.
A close-up image of a fishing fly being tied, featuring a green thread wrapped around a hook with a metal bead head, and a person's hand holding a piece of feather.
Close-up of a person's hand holding a fishing lure with a green thread, bead head, and feathers, against a blue background.
Close-up of a fishing fly tied to a hook with green thread and a shiny bead head, set against a blue background.

Now for the body. Using the same CDL, select a larger bundle of feathers. Adjust to match your bugs. I typically use Medium Pardo, but Ginger Pardo can also be a great option. Tie this in on the back end of the hook and wrap it forward, covering the body. Allow the material to lie flat and avoid over-bulking the fly. The thin material has a translucent quality to it that allows the thread to maintain its fluorescing attributes even when covered.

A close-up of a person holding a fly fishing lure with green materials, using a pair of pliers for tying.
Close-up of a fishing fly being tied, featuring a metallic hook and colorful thread against a blue background.
A close-up image of a fishing fly being tied, showcasing a black hook with a metallic bead head and bright green thread wrapped around the body.

The final material to this fly is the dubbing. Using SLF Squirrel dubbing in Light Olive. Dub a noodle that will maintain its integrity. Ensure it is not overly tight. We want a nice buggy collar once wrapped. Create a ball behind the bead that is slightly smaller than the bead overall. If you feel inclined, brush out the dubbing slightly to pull some of the stiffer guard hairs out.

A close-up image of a person tying a fishing fly, showing a hook with green thread and a bead head while using a fly tying tool.
A close-up image of a person tying a fishing fly, showcasing a small green and silver fly attached to a hook, with a focus on the fingers holding the fly-tying tool.
A close-up of a hand holding a fishing hook with a colorful fly tied on it, using a pair of pliers.
Close-up of a person's hand holding a small fishing fly with a green body and black bead, ready for tying or use.
A close-up image of a fly fishing lure, featuring a metallic bead head and green materials tied to a hook, displayed on a fly tying vise.

Whip finish and add some glue or cement. I always coat the thread collar and add a small amount of Zap-A-Gap beneath the tail. If you skip this step, the slick material can slide down the bead of the hook. This can happen even with the thread wrap encouraged above.

Recipe:

  • Hook – XC210BL, Size Range – 14-18 
  • Bead – Perdijig Tungsten Silver (BWO), Copper (Classic Orange), or Gold (PMD)
  • Thread – Veevus FL Orange (Classic Orange), FL Green (BWO), and FL Yellow Chartreuse (PMD)
  • Tail – CDL Medium Pardo
  • Abdomen – CDL wrapped similar to a Pheasant Tail.
  • Thorax – SLF Squirrel Dubbing Rust (Classic Orange), Golden Olive (BWO), Bleached Ginger (PMD)

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