Bodkin / Patterns

Gartside Gurgler

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

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Mustad 34007 or Tiemco 811S, 1/0-6
  • Thread To match body Flat waxed nylon

Materials

  • Tail Bucktail or marabou with Flashabou (1 clump)
  • Shell/lip Closed-cell foam strip, ~shank width (1 strip)
  • Body Palmered saddle hackle or Estaz (1 feather/length)

How to tie it

  1. Tie in a bucktail or marabou tail with a few strands of flash at the bend, about 1.5 shank lengths long.
  2. Tie in the foam strip by its rear end on top of the shank at the bend, letting the long end hang back over the tail for now.
  3. Tie in a saddle hackle (or Estaz) and palmer it forward over the shank in 5-6 open turns; tie off one eye-length back from the hook eye.
  4. Pull the foam strip forward over the top of the body and bind it down behind the hook eye, leaving a short lip of foam extending out over the eye.
  5. Trim the lip to about a quarter shank length. That little upturned scoop is the whole fly: it catches water and 'gurgles' instead of popping.
  6. Whip finish under the lip and cement.

Tying videos

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