Bodkin / Patterns

Gummy Tarpon

Baitfish · Tarpon · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Heavy-wire saltwater/tarpon hook, 1/0-4/0
  • Thread Clear mono Fine mono

Materials

  • Body/wing Tan-clear material (Sili Skin gummy material)
  • Flash Pearl flashabou (Flashabou insert)
  • Back Tan/olive carapace (marker shading)
  • Eyes Silver metal tape (large stick-on)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the heavy tarpon hook and lay a thin mono-thread base along the shank.
  2. Lay pearl flash along the top of the shank for internal shine.
  3. Sandwich the shank and flash between two sticky faces of gummy body material.
  4. Press the faces together and trim to a broad, deep baitfish or shrimp profile with a forked tail.
  5. Shade the back with a marker to match local bait and press a large stick-on eye to each side.
  6. Whip finish at the head and lock the eyes and head with a coat of UV resin.
  7. Check the hook gap stays clear of the body so it sets cleanly.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns