Bodkin / Patterns

Musky Deceiver

Streamer · Musky · Pike · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

Saddle hackles White + contrasting (chartreuse/olive) saddle hackles (8-12 for tail)
Flashabou / Krystal Flash Pearl / holo (full pinch)
Bucktail White belly + darker back (2-3 clumps for collar)
Peacock herl or dark topping Natural peacock herl (few strands)
3-D adhesive eyes - (1 pair, large)
UV resin / epoxy - (for head)

Start the thread at the rear third. Pair up saddle hackles into two splayed sets, curves out, and tie them in as a long tail two to three shank lengths long; flank with a couple of contrasting saddles per side.
Add a full pinch of flash along both sides of the tail.
Tie in a white bucktail belly clump underneath, working forward, then a darker back clump on top, spinning each partway around the shank so the collar surrounds the tail junction and hides the tie-in.
Build the collar in two or three passes of bucktail up to the 85% mark, keeping the baitfish taper full at the shoulder.
Top with a few strands of peacock herl or dark bucktail for the back, then build a smooth thread head.
Whip finish, set a large 3-D eye on each side, and coat the head with UV resin or epoxy and cure.