This is Roger Woolley's listing of the Tups in the section of his book on Devon Wets. Invented by RS Austin who lived in Devon this fly's home is Devon - of course its fame and noteriety went way past that!
Hook size: 00-2 in today's sizes is 16 to 12 zone.
Body: creamy pink dubbing, three turns yellow tying silk at tail.
Hackle and whisks: brassy cock
What is "brassy" for the hackle color. Most Tups recipes go from light dun to honey dun. Typically brassy is a term to describe a color meaning it has a metalic flashy sheen. Given this it is hard to say what he meant...perhaps "choose your shade" but make it flashy? I go with a shiny speckly dirty dun that has a dark dun stem...but choose your own preference and or experiment.
Dubbing mix - well the original tups recipe was eventually revealed. Having seen a sample from Skues sent to Leisenring I can tell you it is way more cream/yellow than pink. Most sold pre-mix versions are much more pink. For fishing purposes I have had great luck with the more pre-mixed stuff and even pink driven flies. In this video I use the mix made by Dette Flies. Up to you what to use but do not get "held back" from tying and fishing this fly because of historic details!
Enjoy all!
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