Bodkin / Patterns

Bendback

Baitfish · Snook · Redfish · Tarpon · Striped Bass · Jack · Sea Trout · Bonefish · Intermediate · 1 version

Bendback fly

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Long-shank saltwater hook, bent (or Mustad 32786 bendback), 1/0-4
  • Thread To match wing 6/0 or 140 denier

Materials

  • Body Mylar tinsel, Diamond Braid, or chenille (1 length)
  • Wing Bucktail (white under, color over) (2 clumps)
  • Flash Krystal Flash or Flashabou (4-6 strands)
  • Topping Peacock herl (optional) (4-6 strands)

How to tie it

  1. If not using a pre-made bendback hook, grip a long-shank hook and bend the front quarter of the shank down slightly (10-15 degrees). Mounted wing-up, this bend makes the fly swim hook point up and nearly weedless.
  2. Wrap the rear (straight) portion of the shank with tinsel or braid for a slim flashy body.
  3. Invert the hook in the vise. Tie in a white bucktail clump at the bend in the shank, extending past the hook bend by half a shank length.
  4. Add flash strands, then a darker bucktail clump over the top (chartreuse, olive, or brown) and optionally peacock herl topping.
  5. The wing must be full enough to hide and shield the up-riding hook point, that's the weed guard.
  6. Build a neat tapered head, whip finish, and cement; add painted or stick-on eyes if you like.

Tying videos

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