Fly of the Month

As tied by Pat Damico

Synthetic Baitfish Pattern

This fly pattern offers a basic approach to tie any fly that will duplicate baitfish. You can use a size eight or 3/0 hook.

MATERIALS:

Hook: Mustad 9175 size 1
Thread: .004 mono thread
Body: EP fibers, white, brown, dark brown
Flash: Clear and yellow krystal flash
Eyes: 3/16” Hologram eyes
Adhesives/coatings: Daves Flexament and thinned goop

TYING STEPS:

1. Place hook in vise and crimp barb. Start jam knot with clear mono thread in middle of shank.

2. Secure about fifteen white EP fibers to top of hook shank with thread, length will be determined by size of baitfish you are duplicating. Bend rest of material over thread and extend to approximate length of first application while securing with thread.

3. Cut clear krystal flash two times longer than pattern, wrap around thread and secure to top of hook shank. Turn hook over and apply same amount of white EP fibers to bottom side of hook, extend a little shorter than previous application. More white can be added to top of hook in similar matter as thread is advanced toward hook eye. Occasional drops of flexament on wrappings will make fly more durable.

4. Use a comb to break bent fibers, stroking away from the hook eye. Additional clear and also yellow krystal flash can be secured to hook shank so that flash is now on side of fly. Some red EP fibers can be added to bottom of shank to
duplicate gills if desi red; this will be trimmed short.

5. Begin adding brown EP fibers to top of hook shank, bending other half of material toward tail section of pattern, each application will be a little shorter than the previous amount. If there are spaces on the side, add small amounts there.

6. Continue to add white to the bottom to complete the belly, and darker brown EP fibers to represent the baitfish back. Complete with whip finish and flexament.

7. Shape fly with comb and scissors to achieve final contour.

8. Thin a drop of goop with flexament and add a small amount to the back of hologram eye with needle. Hold eye where desired and press into place. Repeat on other side