Bodkin / Patterns

Chewy's Tarponator

Attractor · Tarpon · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Heavy saltwater/tarpon hook, straight eye (e.g. Gamakatsu SC15), 1/0-3/0
  • Thread Black 6/0 (140 denier)

Materials

  • Tail Purple arctic fox (A sparse clump of EP fibers, two shank lengths)
  • Tail overlay Black ostrich herl (A thin veil of EP fibers over the purple)
  • Flash Purple flash fibres (A few strands Krystal Flash)
  • Collar/Head Black ostrich herl (EP fibers, brushed and packed)
  • Eyes Red buzzer wrap (6-7mm stick-on living eyes (optional))

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and start the thread at the bend.
  2. Tie in a sparse purple EP tail two shank lengths long, keeping it thin so it wiggles and won't foul.
  3. Veil a thin layer of black EP over the top and add the flash down each side.
  4. Advance to the 60% mark and tie in reversed clumps of black EP, then fold them back and bind to form a low-bulk collar and head.
  5. Pack the fibers with your fingers, sweep everything rearward, and shape a tapered slim head.
  6. Whip finish, then set the living eyes in a dab of UV resin or Zap-A-Gap if using.

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