Bodkin / Patterns

Keys-Style Tarpon

Attractor · Tarpon · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Tarpon hook, 1/0-4/0
  • Thread Varies 3/0

Materials

  • Tail Saddle hackle (4-6, splayed)
  • Collar Saddle hackle or schlappen (2-3 wraps)
  • Flash Flashabou (sparse)
  • Head Thread (neat, lacquered)

How to tie it

  1. Mount hook and start thread at the rear third of the shank. Keys tarpon flies are famously tied on the back of the hook, leaving the front bare.
  2. Tie in 4-6 saddle hackle feathers at the bend, paired and splayed outward. The splayed tips kick and swim on the strip.
  3. Add a few strands of flash. Sparse. Every extra material adds wind resistance on an 11-weight cast.
  4. Wrap 2-3 turns of saddle hackle or schlappen as a collar directly in front of the tail. Sweep it back.
  5. Wrap the remaining bare shank with smooth, even thread wraps to the eye. Build a neat, tapered thread head.
  6. Whip finish and lacquer heavily, 3-4 coats until glossy. The bare lacquered front shank is the signature of the style.

Tying videos

← All fly patterns