Gotcha
Hook
– Mustad
34007 Size 2 Thread – Pink
Eyes
– Chrome or
nickel dumb bell eyes (I epoxy or use UV resin on my thread wraps around the
eyes for extra strength)
Underbody – Pink thread, topped with pearl body braid. Pearl body braid is teased out near the bend of the hook.
Over-body
– Clear
larva lace
Wing - Blond craft fur topped with approximately 6 strands of rainbow crystal flash. (For larger flies I’ll substitute White Bucktail for the Blond Craft Fur).
I have been doing the Fly of the Month for over 35 years now. Of all the flies I’ve ever posted this has to be what I would term as one of my “magic flies”. If you fish the salt in CT you need to have this fly in your box. I live at the mouth of the Housatonic River, and love fishing for shad, both the American and Hickory species. Catching these “baby” tarpon like fish is a great thrill on a lighter rod. Back in 1998 I really focused on fishing a great number of shad flies. The “Gotcha” out fished all other traditional shad patterns. It wasn’t even close.
This fly was originally developed for bonefish, but has been adapted for New England fishing. An old time friend, Ed Goodwin, introduced me to it. What really makes this fly extraordinary is that it is also a cross over pattern for stripers. Stripers will readily hit this fly. At times they take it for a crab, shrimp, or even a glass minnow. Friend Ben Marouski ties this fly with a White Bucktail wing and slays stripers with it. This thing really glows in the water. This fly is such an amazing producer that I am constantly approached by fellow fishermen who ask what I’m using.
If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a pattern of the month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com .
