Monday, September 5, 2022

Paul's September 2022 Bonus Fly of the Month

 SBS Saltwater Baitfish


Hook:  FTD Big Game MS 100 hook Size 3/0 (or Short Shank Stinger Salt Water Hook of Choice). 

Thread:  UTC 70D White.

Tail:  White Bucktail topped with strands of pearlescent flash, topped with a single white saddle hackle.

½ Wing:  Chartreuse bucktail tied over a ‘bump’ of White Senyo Lazer Dub and extending halfway down the tail.

Belly:  White Bucktail tied in ‘reverse style’ then swept back under the hook shank. 

Body:  White Senyo Lazer Dub with Red Senyo Lazer Dub before the head of the fly.

Wing:  Chartreuse Bucktail tied in ‘reverse’ style then swept back on top of the hook.  Topped with a few more strands of Pearlescent Flash and a Chartreuse Grizzly Saddle Hackle.

Eyes:  3 D molded eyes.

Finish:  Epoxy, or UV Resin.

 

This fly is really a modified ‘flat wing’ type pattern originally designed for ‘sea trout’ (a.k.a. weakfish).  I’ve never caught a weakfish on it but boy is it a ‘striper catcher’.  It calls for some alternative tying techniques like ‘reverse’ tying of bucktail.  One of the great things about fly tying is that you can always substitute and/or experiment by using different materials.  One thing I would not change on this fly is the Chartreuse Grizzly Saddle Hackle.  If you’re a New England Salt Water Fly Fisher and Tyer, I strongly recommend purchasing a Chartreuse Grizzly Neck.  At times the barred hackle just seems to trigger striper bites.

 

To tie this fly, begin by de-barbing the hook, placing it in your vice, and laying a base of thread along the hook shank.  Next, tie in a sparse amount (no more than 20 strands) of White Bucktail for your tail.  It should extend approximately 2 times the hook shank length behind the bend.  On top of your Bucktail, tie in a couple strands of Pearlescent Flash.  I usually take a couple of strands, double it over my thread, and lash it down above the Bucktail.  Trim it to the length of the Bucktail.  Next, select and prepare a thin White Saddle Hackle to top your tail.   When you tie it down it should extend the complete length of the tail. 

 

Once your tail is competed you are going to dub a ‘bump’ of White Senyo Lazer Dub at the tie in point of your tail.  In front of the dubbed bump you are going to tie in a ‘1/2’ wing of Chartreuse Bucktail.  Keep it sparse using 15 to 20 fibers.  It should extend 2/3rds the length of your rear white tail.  You should have approximately 1/3rd of the hook shank left.  You are now going to ‘reverse’ tie in a top wing of Chartreuse Bucktail.  Once completed, rotate your vice or fly and ‘reverse’ tie in a belly of White Bucktail.  Before pushing your bucktail back to create your wing and belly, use your thread to create an even base behind the eye and along the last 1/3 or the hook shank.  Once completed, dub half of it with White Senyo Lazer Dub, and the other half with Red Senyo Lazer Dub.  Next, with a pen tube or tool, sweep back your wing & belly along the hook shank.  Use your fingers to continually stroke and align your wing and belly.  When it’s trained back and in a position you like, use thread wraps to bind them down.  Next, top your Chartreuse Wing with a couple more strands of Pearlescent Flash.  They should extend along the entire length of the top wing.  Next, prepare a thin Chartreuse Grizzly Saddle Hackle to be placed over your top wing.  It should extend along the entire length of the fly.  Once in position, lash it down.  Finally, whip finish your fly. Affix your 3D molded eyes to the fly.  Cover the eyes and the head of the fly with UV resin or Epoxy. 

 

Below is a great video on how to tie this fly by CastbyJohn Fly Tying.


If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of The Month I can be reached at pdinice@frontier.com .

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