Bodkin / Patterns

Bob's Banger

Topwater · Striped Bass · Bluefish · Jack · False Albacore · Snook · Tarpon · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Mustad 34011 4X-long saltwater, 2/0-4/0
  • Thread White 3/0 monocord or 210-denier

Materials

  • Tail White bucktail (1 generous clump)
  • Flash Pearl flashabou (8-10 strands)
  • Body Pearl Estaz / Cactus Chenille (1 length)
  • Head 1/2" foam cylinder (1)
  • Head wrap Holographic Witchcraft tape (1 strip)
  • Eyes Prismatic stick-on (2)

How to tie it

  1. Start thread at the bend and tie in a full clump of white bucktail one and a half shank lengths long, with pearl Flashabou over it.
  2. Tie in Estaz and wrap the rear two thirds of the shank in touching turns for a bright, water-pushing collar. Tie off and whip finish, leaving the front third of the shank BARE.
  3. Cut a foam cylinder to about a third of the shank length and punch or drill a hole through its center.
  4. Wrap the holographic tape around the cylinder and press on a prismatic eye each side. The tape jacket is why a Banger survives bluefish that shred ordinary poppers.
  5. Slide the foam head onto the bare front of the shank up against the Estaz. Leave it friction-fit: heads can be swapped between flies and replaced when chewed.
  6. Trim the face flat and square so it throws water on the strip.

Tying videos

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