Bodkin / Patterns

Joe's Fleye

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

Classic Recipe

  • Hook saltwater streamer hook (Ahrex TP610 or similar), 1/0-4/0
  • Thread white or clear mono 210 denier (Flymaster Plus)

Materials

  • Tail Bucktail (white), reverse/hollow-tied (3-4 shank lengths)
  • Flash Silver/opal Magnum Flashabou (sparse bunch)
  • Body Bucktail (white then chartreuse/olive), hollow-tied in stacks (several clumps)
  • Topping Peacock herl or a few strands of dark flash (few strands)
  • Collar/cheeks Grizzly saddle hackle (natural and dyed) (2-4)
  • Eyes Stick-on 3D eyes set in resin (1 pair)
  • Head UV resin / epoxy (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Build a thread base and reverse-tie the first clump of white bucktail: tie it in with the tips pointing forward over the eye, then fold it back and take wraps in front so it flares 360 degrees around the shank (this hollow tie makes a broad, airy body with almost no bulk). Keep it sparse; less is more.
  2. The tail section should be tied about 3-4 times the hook-shank length; add a few strands of Magnum Flashabou along the way.
  3. Move forward and repeat the reverse/hollow tie in successive stacks, transitioning color (white belly into chartreuse or olive on top) to build a wide, baitfish body that keeps a full profile from every angle.
  4. Tie in a few strands of peacock herl or dark flash on top as a back, and add splayed grizzly saddle hackles at the sides as cheeks/collar.
  5. Whip finish, then coat the head with UV resin and set a 3D eye on each side.
  6. Wet-shape the fly and trim any stray fibers so it holds a broad, hollow baitfish silhouette.

Tying videos

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