Martinez Black Nymph - Trout Fly Tying for Beginners

Another fairly easy-to-tie classic nymph fly pattern, the Martinez Black was originally tied in the 1930s by Don Martinez and further popularized by Ray Bergman throughout the 40s and 50s. This pattern is from Mike Valla's "Tying the Founding Flies."

Hook: #8-12 Nymph
Thread: Black
Tail: Guinea or partridge
Rib: Oval gold tinsel or wire
Body: Seal fur, died black. Opossum or wool alternate.
Wingcase: Raffia grass or Swiss straw, dyed green
Thorax: Same as body, or black chenille
Legs/hackle: Partridge

Savage Flies is a project (named after one of my homewaters, the Savage River in Western Maryland, US). I've been trout fishing for many years but have only been tying for the last couple and am learning more every week. If you have any pointers on techniques that would help, I would love to hear them in the comments.