Bodkin / Patterns

DT Special

Baitfish · Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore · Jack · Tarpon · Snook · Redfish · Sea Trout · Advanced · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Saltwater streamer hook, standard shank (Ahrex SA280 or similar), 1/0
  • Thread White 6/0

Materials

  • Saddle hackle (tail) White schlappen (4 feathers (2 per side))
  • Flash Pearl/mirror pearl (3-4 strands)
  • Saddle hackle (collar) White schlappen (1 feather)
  • Stick-on eyes Rainbow/black (4mm pair)
  • Super glue and UV resin Clear uv resin (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Secure the hook and start the thread about a quarter of the shank behind the eye; lay a short thread base back to the hook point and return, then trim the tag.
  2. Add a drop of super glue to the thread at the rear to help lock the tail in place.
  3. Select two white saddle hackles that curve inward and tie them flat against the near side of the shank at the rear, tail length about twice the hook length; three or four wraps.
  4. Match two more saddle hackles and tie them on the far side so all four tips curve toward each other, then wrap back over the butts so the paired feathers stand and support each other; add a drop of super glue.
  5. Tie in three or four strands of pearl flash at the midpoint, veiling over the top and down each side, and trim the flash slightly shorter than the tail tips.
  6. Tie in a longer white saddle hackle by the tip just ahead of the tail and wrap it forward in touching turns to the hook point, stroking the fibers rearward each turn to form a sparse collar; tie off and trim the stem.
  7. Wrap back over the base of the collar to sweep the fibers into an even cone, then build a smooth thread head.
  8. Set a stick-on eye on each side of the head.
  9. Whip finish and coat the head and eyes with UV resin (or Z-ment) and cure to finish.

Tying videos

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