Bodkin / Patterns

Millhouse Tarpon Toad

Attractor · Tarpon · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Saltwater tarpon hook, Gamakatsu SL12S (or Genryuu 305HW), #1/0-3/0
  • Thread Match color (chartreuse / tan / black) Semperfli Nano Silk or flat waxed nylon

Materials

  • Tail Marabou (blood-quill), color to match. This version is marabou-only (1-2 plumes)
  • Flash Flashabou (few strands)
  • Collar Rabbit (Zonker) strip, matching color, wrapped (1 strip)
  • Body/head EC (EP-style) fiber, tied flat as a toad head and trimmed (as needed)

How to tie it

  1. Start the thread at the bend; tarpon flies are tied well back on the shank.
  2. Tie in a marabou tail (marabou only on this version) a couple of hook-lengths long, with a few strands of flash.
  3. In front of the tail, tie in and wrap a rabbit strip as a collar so it flares back over the tail.
  4. Tie in EC/EP fiber and figure-8/spin it to build a broad, flat toad head.
  5. Whip finish at the eye and trim the head to the classic flat, oval toad shape (flat top and bottom).

Tying videos

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