Puglisi Baitfish
The Puglisi Baitfish pattern is probably my favorite all around pattern. Fact is that
it works everywhere. I use these patterns for anything that swims. From trout to
tarpon, by varying the size you can catch anything.
it works everywhere. I use these patterns for anything that swims. From trout to
tarpon, by varying the size you can catch anything.
The first thing we need is to establish materials. For this example I am using size 2/0
hooks, but you can really use any size to your liking. Pictured above is all you need to
make these flies. If you want to add eyes or a red throat, it is optional, but something I
like to do.
Materials:
Red Puglisi Silky fibers
White 5mm Puglisi Eyes
Yellow EP Fibers
White EP Fibers
Pearl Flashabou
White Flat waxed nylon thread
Gamakatsu SL12S 2/0 hooks
Zap A Gap CA
hooks, but you can really use any size to your liking. Pictured above is all you need to
make these flies. If you want to add eyes or a red throat, it is optional, but something I
like to do.
Materials:
Red Puglisi Silky fibers
White 5mm Puglisi Eyes
Yellow EP Fibers
White EP Fibers
Pearl Flashabou
White Flat waxed nylon thread
Gamakatsu SL12S 2/0 hooks
Zap A Gap CA
The very first thing which I like to do before tying the pattern is to add 4 strands of
flashabou to the hook right on top. This is all of the flash that I like to use. I know the
store bought version has the flash throughout the body and head, but I find this is the
easiest and most productive way to tie this fly.
flashabou to the hook right on top. This is all of the flash that I like to use. I know the
store bought version has the flash throughout the body and head, but I find this is the
easiest and most productive way to tie this fly.
The next step is to add in the darker of the two colors on the top. In this example,
yellow is to be used for the back of the fly while the white part is the belly. Upon tying
on the material, make sure you do not waste a lot by having to clip off a lot of excess,
the less you lose, the more you will have for the next part that you tie on.
yellow is to be used for the back of the fly while the white part is the belly. Upon tying
on the material, make sure you do not waste a lot by having to clip off a lot of excess,
the less you lose, the more you will have for the next part that you tie on.
The next part is to do the same on the bottom.
Upon completion, take the back part of the material and loop it over. Once this
has been done, tie the back portion of the material onto the hook. After this is
completed, cut the loop in the material to approximately the desired length of
the fly. This should only be approximate and should not be exacting. Make sure
to leave more material than you think may be needed, you can always trim the
excess later.
has been done, tie the back portion of the material onto the hook. After this is
completed, cut the loop in the material to approximately the desired length of
the fly. This should only be approximate and should not be exacting. Make sure
to leave more material than you think may be needed, you can always trim the
excess later.
Repeat this process for the top as well. Then, add on the next piece of
material and repeat.
material and repeat.
This is where you can add in the throat before the next piece of white material.
After adding that, trim the red to the width of the hook gap. Once completed,
repeat the instructions above on adding material until you have the desired
amount of material for the body and head. Once done, whip finish then add
some zap a gap for durability to the nose
After adding that, trim the red to the width of the hook gap. Once completed,
repeat the instructions above on adding material until you have the desired
amount of material for the body and head. Once done, whip finish then add
some zap a gap for durability to the nose
Comb out the material, and then trim the material to your desired shape.
I like to begin with the belly of the fly and then use that as a guide for
how long I want to trim the top. As a side note, I always make sure the
top is longer than the bottom part. Add eyes, and it is ready to fish!
I like to begin with the belly of the fly and then use that as a guide for
how long I want to trim the top. As a side note, I always make sure the
top is longer than the bottom part. Add eyes, and it is ready to fish!
