Over the years, Jerry French has tied and fished just about every variation of string leech imaginable. Along the way, he continued making small changes, removing what he did not like and refining the elements that consistently produced fish. The result is the Swing Thing. The Swing Thing brings together what Jerry has learned about designing a modern steelhead fly. The combination of rabbit and ostrich creates movement that comes alive in very little current. Every material, length, and tie-in point is intentional, creating a fly that swims naturally, casts easily, and fishes the way Jerry intended. One of Jerry’s primary goals was to create a fly with a predictable sink and rise rate. When swinging for steelhead, knowing where the fly is traveling through the water column matters. The Swing Thing is designed to stay in the zone rather than riding too high or dropping too quickly. The AquaTalon Size 2 Swing Hook is hitched to the rabbit strip using 50-pound braided line, creating a durable, free-swinging connection that allows the hook to move naturally with the fly. The rigging also allows the hook to be replaced without damaging the fly. Why Fish the Swing Thing Rabbit and ostrich create natural swimming action. Intentionally balanced materials provide a predictable sink and rise rate. Sheds water quickly for easier casting. The free-swinging AquaTalon hook adds movement and allows for simple hook replacement. Designed to stay in the strike zone throughout the swing. Jerry does not add materials simply because they look good in the vise. Each material is there because it contributes to how the fly fishes. The Swing Thing is the result of years spent watching flies in the water, refining their behavior, and learning what steelhead respond to. Every detail has a purpose. The Swing Thing is designed to give anglers confidence that their fly is swimming naturally, fishing at the intended depth, and presenting a profile built to draw the attention of steelhead.
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