Experimental Fly Success

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I got some of the rubber toys recently described in this post:

http://bigbluegill.com/forum/topics/dollar-store-bluegill-lures-fro...

Wanting to try something different, I tried making a fly from one of the rubber legs -

#10 hook, rubber tail, chartreuse chenille and black thread head. I added

A bit of lead wire was added to the center to help is sink, since the rubber floats.

And it works! I caught several fish. A few bass, the usual "mystery" fish that got away and a small bluegill.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

August 24, 2013

Another attempt with the experimental fly was made today - with good results.
THIS time I used a chartreuse rubber tail and black tinsel chenille. I used a small bit of lead again, all tied on a #8 Eagle Claw plain shank hook. These are just bait holders without the little barbs on the shank. I picked them up at Walmart, $1.76 for ten.

These baits don't have the gangly, leggy look most bluegill flies possess. They are streamlined, like a nymph or even a small minnow imitation. But, it seems the fish are fine with that.

[Jen Nayfly]

Great idea David! Thanks for sharing!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

@ Jen...
No problem! Just be sure to put that bit of lead wire about mid way along the hook shaft towards the eye....maybe even a little closer to the eye. Since the rubber tail wants to float the hook up and back, this weight helps the bait sink in a slightly nose down position. But unlike a jig, it is more of a horizontal swimming action.

Bluegill tend to follow and watch their prey. After this examination period, that's when they are likely to strike. My thinking is, the slower swimming action might better suit the bluegill feeding style.
We shall see.

[jim cosgrove]

good work david! saw a guy at a show tying flies with these.i forgot about them until they were were brought up here recently.for sure a unique material ,glad to see it works.does the tail wag while being retrieved?i am on the hunt now for this stuff

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Does the tail wag? Well, a little. Its not like its flapping up and down
So I've tried a new way to add a bit more action.
I'll see tomorrow if it works.

[jim cosgrove]

thanks,they seem to wiggle a lot when attached to the ball or toy.pleas keep posting your results.just messing with you on the hook price.used to buy mine at a fly shop.those name brand japanese hooks cost as much as a completed fly.finally figured out the fish are not that concerned about hook quality.they are very pretty hooks tho

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Same here on the hooks. I use what I can get, and I'm always looking for another alternative. I, too, have noticed that Southern fish, at least, don't seem to care what hook you use.

[jim cosgrove]

david-you really pay 17 cents for a hook?u can get good hooks in the 6 bucks for 100 on line.if your tying and experimenting you will go thru hooks like crazy;i buy mustad sz 12 sproats by the 1000 when i can find em for around 20,00.i ude a lot of em and they are a good live bit hook in sz 10 and 8

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I pay $.17/hook yes.
Sometimes, I'll pay $.03/hook
Depends on what I find. I saw these and wanted to try them because they were there.
I don't tie all that many flies, and could probably go a whole season on on 100 hooks.
But I do look for deals. Come to think of it, I don't have many #8 Aberdeens left....