Clouser Minnow

This was funny enough to me to want to share it.
 
Here is what a clouser minnow looks like:
 

 
and here is my first attempt at a clouser minnow:
 

 
and yes, i'm gonna fish it.

Watch Bob do it
 
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-852937895736246071&q=clouser&total=213&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
 
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1854735289639561762

Smallhook,

First, LOL.  We've all been there.  Deerhair can be tuff to work with.

Second, the coarse type of deerhair will do that.  Much of successful fly tying is made or broken by the correct/incorrect products.  I suspect that's what you've used.  In fact, I can tell be comparing the pics.  Use the hair at the tip of the tail.  Some tails will have all fine enough hair but most, the tip of the tail is best.  I go through every pack in the stores I shop before purchasing one.  Find the thinnest possible.  This will also give you better movement in the water.

Like Tom said, use less hair.  Also, don't be afraid to move the eyes back on the shank a bit and cut the hair angled, then tie down that angle.

I haven't used too many straight eye hooks to know, but from I understand they give a better hookset. That's because they are pulled in a straight line with the tippet. To get that same straight pull with a turned down eye hook it should be snelled tied to the leader. Like the pretied hooks you buy in the store with six inches of heavy line.
 
With all of that said, I don't see why you couldn't use a turned down eye. I use them to tie deer hair bugs and do just fine.

I thought I was the only one able to tie one of those, thats why I put my stuff away, maybe when I get new glasses, LOL, have a great day, Glenn.