Bodkin / Patterns

Laid Up Tarpon Fly

Attractor · Tarpon · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Owner Aki or Gamakatsu SC15 (light wire), 1/0-2/0
  • Thread Black or to match Flat waxed nylon

Materials

  • Tail Marabou blood quills (purple/black, tan, or chartreuse) (2-3 plumes)
  • Flash Copper or pearl Flashabou (4-6 strands)
  • Body/collar Webby saddle or schlappen, heavily palmered (2-3 feathers)
  • Head Thread, small and neat (built up)

How to tie it

  1. Choose a light-wire hook on purpose. The whole design goal is the slowest possible sink and the softest splashdown for fish dozing at the surface.
  2. Tie in 2-3 full marabou plumes at the bend for a tail about 1.5 shank lengths long, with a few strands of Flashabou.
  3. Tie in 2-3 webby schlappen or saddle feathers by the butts at the bend.
  4. Palmer them forward in touching turns to just behind the eye, stroking fibers back each wrap. Over-hackling is correct here; the bushy collar parachutes the fall and pulses with the slightest strip.
  5. Tie off, build a small neat head, whip finish, and cement.

Tying videos

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