Bodkin / Patterns

Baja Baitfish

Baitfish · Jack · Roosterfish · Tuna · Mahi · False Albacore · Barracuda · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard saltwater, #1/0-3/0
  • Thread White 3/0

Materials

  • Tail White uni stretch (Four saddle hackles + pearl flash)
  • Body Pearl anti static bag strip (Mylar braid or tinsel)
  • Belly White uni stretch (Bucktail collar)
  • Back Blue / green material (Bucktail collar)
  • Flash Pearl / blue flash (Flashabou)
  • Eyes Silver / black material (3D stick-on)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and start thread near the bend.
  2. Tie in four white saddle hackles curving outward as a Deceiver-style tail two shank lengths long, framed with a few strands of pearl flash.
  3. Bind in pearl Mylar braid and wrap a bright body forward to the front quarter.
  4. Tie a white bucktail collar around the shank so it veils the tail junction and prevents fouling. The sparse collar is what keeps saltwater flies from wrapping the hook.
  5. Add flash strands, then top with a blue or green bucktail back for a countershaded baitfish.
  6. Wrap a tapered head, whip finish, and cement.
  7. Set a 3D eye each side and seal with a coat of UV resin.

Tying videos

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