Oakie,

Rich G who used to be on the board a lot helped me out a year or so ago regarding making aeroflys.

I have not done my steelie production run yet, so I dont have any pics but I think I can explain it fairly simply.

What you need:
Backer Rod
Gas line from a model store (its clear tubing that you run thru the backer rod)
Fly tying thread and the glue to set the string
Small drill bit
Maribou/FlashaBou/feathers etc.

How to make it:

I start by cutting my backer rod the appropriate size, the cool thing about making them is you can super size it, or make it mini...I recommend make a little of each for various water conditions

Then I take the small drill bit, (not in a drill just by hand) and hollow out a small hole running thru the backer rod.

Next I cut the tubing(model gas line) needed to run into the backer rod. Dont put it inside yet! Also, make sure the tubing is long enough to run the entire length of the backer rod and sticks out about a quarter to half inch out one side.

I get my feathers/flashabou and using the fly tying thread and glue, I tie an appropriate amount of the material to the very end of one end of the tubing. ( dont pull too tight or you will flatten out the tube and the hole will be no more ---you need the hole for the line to run thru--

I let the tube and feathers dry, (after tying I glue the line and feathers to the tube)

When its dry you have the two pieces needed, the backer rod with a hole, and the tube with the feather material etc.

From there I put a small amount of the fly tying glue to the outer edge of the tube and slide it up into the hole in the backer rod. Once dried, you got a homemade aerofly.

How to rig and fish it:

Take a pre tied leader with a 1/0 or 2/0 hook and just slide the line thru the tube in the backer rod and slide down to the hook. I usually place the feather material down toward the hook.

I use this a lot for fishing shrimp tails for brats and nates on the coast.

Colors: You can pretty much make anything you want, pink, cerise, red and variations and combos with those colors are most of what I use.

If you look at a storebought aeorfly for guidance, you will see that you can duplicate that look real close.

Take a look thru the fly tying material and you will find what you need at any decent size sporting goods store....I got all my material at Ted's in Lynnwood ( except for the tubing which has be bought at a model/hobby store.

Good Luck!