Ostrich Plume Baitfish Saltwater Hook : 34007 sizes 8 - 1/0 or a 34011 for long shanked version for tail nippers. Thread : Black 3/0 - 6/0 would also be OK. Underwing : White Bucktail. Lateral Line : Pearl Flashabou. Overwing : Dark Natural Ostrich Plume. Head : Black Thread, stick on prism eyes Epoxy coating.
Tying Instructions 1 : Tie in a bunch of white bucktail twice the length of hook. 2 : Tie in 4-6 stands of pearl flashabou double to create two groups going either side of fly slightly longer than bucktail, vary end points of flashabou. 3 : Tie in 10 -12 Ostrich plume hurls, again slightly longer than bucktail. 4 : Build up a head of thread. Shape is optional, for mine I like football shaped. Different shaped heads would create different turbulence across the plumes. The football shape has given a definite shimmer to the fly, more so than other shapes. Still it might just be my imagination. 5 : Give a light coat of epoxy then apply two stick on prism eyes 6 : Give another light coating of epoxy to keep the eyes on and give a little extra weight to the head, which them gives a good dip/rise action on retrieve.
Fly Notes Variations to the colours of the materials are, if available, is up to you depending on local conditions and baitfish types, but this colour combination is pretty universal, as it is mainly the contrast of colours, the action of the plumes and the retrieval methods that does it.
Fishing Notes So far I have only used it for Salmon. Tailor would destroy the plumes quickly. I also think other species would readily take them too, give it a go and let me know how you go.
Location Notes sand bars, beach gutters
Prey Notes baitfish
Tier Richard Carter

|   AFS Home   |   Swaps   |   Fly Box   |   Search   |