Flicking feathers

  Another old one from Sexyloops (Feb 2020) Some of you might remember that I decided to limit myself to fishing only traditional bucktail streamers for smallmouth bass last season. Well that season is definitely over and I'm getting ready for the 2020 smallmouth fishing to kick off soon, without the limitations of last year.  It should be obvious that this wasn't about finding out if the old streamers still work. Of course they do! Although I hear myself and others say it often enough that I have to wonder who we're trying to convince. I actually caught more smallmouth bass last season than I ever have, probably because I spent more time on them than I ever have before rather than some X factor inherent in the  bucktails.  Looking back at my notes, I do think that the experiment cost me some fish. The practical size limitation of the flies was the most common issue, it's just not feasible to tie a silver outcast 20cm long for bass that are keyed in on large ayu. Even w

Detailed instructions for a simple little crayfish imitation that I've developed over the last year or two, it's a quick easy tie and well worth a place in your fly box. Try it for bass, carp and others. Materials Used Hook: TMC 200R size 4-8 Thread: 6/0 Weight. 0.035 Lead wire Tail: Rabbit zonker Body: Blend of Sybai SLF and spectra flash dubbing Rib: Medium wire Legs: Medium round rubber

Detailed instructions for Bob Clouser's floating minnow.  This fly excels in situations where fish are reluctant to hit a noisier surface fly but still want a surface silhouette. Designed for smallmouth bass but highly effective for predatory gamefish the world over.  Slide it slowly across the surface or twitch it near structure and hold on. Materials Used Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 (but use what you like) Thread: Flat waxed nylon Throat: Red crystal flash Body/tail: 2 colours of Bucktail with flash between Head:2 Foam bug bodies Eyes: flat tape eyes Top coat: UV resin or epoxy mixed with fine glitter.