ARMING UP

April 29, 2009 - Being a seasoned fly tyer I'm always tweaking some of my most productive patterns or trying to develop more successful ones. It usually begins as a daydream during my daily commute to and from Worcester and then transferring the idea to the vise here at the shop. The previous few years have seen me come full-circle with regards to the use of synthetics and flash in the execution of these fledgling patterns. I've been unintentionally drifting away from the use of either of these highly regarded material categories and it has nothing to do with their effectiveness, or lack there of.

Being a devoted and somewhat passionate tarpon angler I've noticed a distinct increase in the incidence of acceptance of classic tarpon patterns that have been adapted to a zonker strip/crosscut rabbit style. Take for example the Black Death, probably the most highly regarded tarpon pattern in Central America. It's basically a Key's style fly constructed of black and red saddle with a bit of krystal flash incorporated into the wing and a collar of black and red saddle palmered. Pretty simple. While I have had only moderate success when toiling with this traditional version, a rabbit strip/cross cut adaptation has been far more successful. It's actually been a catharsis of sorts; why not adapt striper patterns in similar fashion?
In preparation for the 2009 season I've adapted some of the more accepted northeast baitfish imitations to rabbit strip/cross cut with only one common theme, darker color on top and light on the belly.

Without question these zonker style flies will create slimmer profile when submerged, are simple in their design and should pass the durability test when fished.

By altering fly profile, hook size and weight (dumbbell eyes), one can effectively mimic almost any baitfish common to the north Atlantic.
If you would like to offer a critique simply stop by shop anytime. I hope to have a report on their effectiveness as we get deeper into the season.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB