Bodkin / Patterns

Brim Reaper

Streamer · Panfish · Largemouth Bass · Smallmouth Bass · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook 1X-long nymph/wet hook (e.g. Mustad 3906B), 8-12
  • Thread black or to match body 6/0

Materials

  • Bead Gold or black brass bead (sized to hook)
  • Tail Marabou (black, olive, or chartreuse) (one shank length)
  • Body Medium chenille to match tail (1 clump)
  • Hackle Webby saddle or schlappen hackle (1 feather)
  • Legs Round rubber legs (2-3 per side, optional)

How to tie it

  1. Slide the bead to the eye and start thread behind it. The bead makes the fly sink head-first, giving it a diving jig action on the drop.
  2. Tie in a full marabou tail about one shank length long at the bend, keeping it fluffy for maximum breathing action.
  3. Tie in a webby saddle hackle by its tip and a length of chenille at the bend.
  4. Wrap the chenille forward in touching turns to just behind the bead and tie off.
  5. Palmer the hackle forward over the body in 5-6 open, evenly spaced turns and tie off behind the bead.
  6. If using rubber legs, tie 2-3 splayed legs per side at the mid-body, then whip finish behind the bead.

Tying videos

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