This pattern is an excellent topwater baitfish pattern. I've caught fish all over VA with these fellas. This pattern is based off of the Topwater CK Baitfish, but their are obvious material variances, and the addition of the shank provides a lot more action!
The hook choice is a short and strong shank. This fly will get aggressive hits when fished with quick 3-4" strips across rapids and semi-turbulent water. The diving style head will cause the fly to - you guessed it - dive. Not a lot, but enough to cause a commotion. Another foam head option is, the slider head this head shape will keep the head higher in the water column, and has a slightly different action than the diving head. I keep both in my box because some days it matters. Most days, it doesn't.
Change the size based off of your baitfish, but for our local fisheries I've found a sub-3" size perfect for our smallmouth.
Material List:
- Umpqua Hook: XS425 - Sz. 1
- Shank - 25MM Fish Skull Articulated Fish Spine
- Thread Semperfli Nano Silk 100D
- Fish Hunter Marabou - White & Heron Gray
- Hareline Chocklett's Finesse Body Chenille Medium & Large
- Zap a Gap Super Glue - Brush on & Gel
- Rainy's Head Diver Heads or Slider Heads - white - small
- Fish Skull - Living Eyes - Ice - 4mm
9 мар 2022
