You ever see a fly called the Red Tag and wonder why it’s got that little flash of red at the back? Honestly, it’s one of those things that seems obvious once you know—kinda like realizing why fish go nuts for it. That red bit? Pure genius. It’s supposed to look like the egg sac of some bug laying eggs, and let me tell you, fish just can’t resist it. Something about that splash of color triggers their inner predator, like a dinner bell ringing underwater.

Now, the rest of the fly—oh man, it’s a masterclass in trickery. The hackle collar’s all bushy, gives it this sorta wiggly, lifelike vibe, like legs kicking in the current. And the body? Peacock herl. That stuff’s magic. Catches the light just right, shimmery but not too flashy—just enough to make fish think, “Yeah, that’s definitely food.” From what I’ve seen, it fools everything from mayflies to midges, which is why it’s my go-to when I’m not sure what’s hatching.

Speaking of, this thing works everywhere. Rivers, lakes, even those weird little ponds nobody fishes—trust me, I’ve tried. Once hooked a grayling on it in this tiny alpine stream, water so clear you could count the pebbles. Dead-drifted it near some riffles, gave it a twitch, and bam. Fish on. And that’s the thing: whether you’re letting it drift like a lazy bug or twitching it to mimic something struggling, the Red Tag just works.

Anyway, if you’re fishing anywhere with bugs—which, let’s be real, is everywhere—tie this on. It’s one of those flies that feels like cheating. And that red tag? Still gets me every time. Pure genius.