Introducing the Black Gurgler – a highly effective surface pattern for saltwater fishing, particularly favored for enticing aggressive strikes from species like striped bass, redfish, and tarpon.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of tying this fly.

Let's dive in and elevate your saltwater fly fishing game with this proven popper!

Materials Needed:

Hook: Saltwater or freshwater streamer hook, size 2 to 6.
Thread: Strong thread, 3/0 to 6/0 in black or a suitable color.
Body: Closed-cell foam in black or a suitable color.
Tail: Marabou feathers in black or a suitable color.
Flash: Flashabou or similar flashy material (optional).
Hackle: Saddle hackle feathers in black or a suitable color.
Eyes: Stick-on or painted eyes.
Adhesive: Superglue or UV resin.

Step 1: Secure the Hook

Place the hook securely in your vise and start wrapping the thread about one-third of the way down the hook shank from the eye.

Step 2: Tie in the Tail

Select a few marabou feathers in black or a suitable color for the tail of the fly. Tie them in at the back of the hook shank, extending to about twice the length of the hook shank. Trim any excess.

Step 3: Create the Body

Cut a strip of closed-cell foam in black or a suitable color, approximately 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. Tie one end of the foam strip to the hook shank just in front of the tail, leaving the rest of the strip extending forward.

Step 4: Add Flash (Optional)

Tie in a few strands of flashabou or similar flashy material on top of the foam strip for added attraction. Trim the flash to the desired length, usually slightly longer than the tail.

Step 5: Form the Hackle

Select a saddle hackle feather in black or a suitable color for the hackle of the fly. Strip away the fibers from the base of the feather and tie it in at the front of the hook shank, just behind the eye.

Step 6: Wrap the Hackle

Wrap the hackle feather around the hook shank in tight turns, moving toward the tail of the fly. Secure the hackle with several tight wraps of thread at the back of the hook shank and trim any excess feather.

Step 7: Form the Head

Fold the foam strip back over the hackle and tie it down behind the hook eye, forming the head of the fly. Make several tight wraps of thread to secure the foam in place.

Step 8: Attach Eyes (optional)

Stick on or paint eyes onto each side of the foam head, just behind the hook eye. The eyes should be positioned symmetrically and give the fly a lifelike appearance.

Step 9: Secure and Finish

Wrap the thread around the foam head and eyes to secure them in place. Make several tight wraps to ensure everything is firmly attached. Finish the fly by making a few whip finishes behind the eyes.

Step 10: Apply Adhesive

Apply a small amount of superglue or UV resin to the thread wraps securing the eyes and the foam head. This will add extra durability to the fly and ensure the materials stay in place during fishing.

Step 11: Final Touches

Trim any excess material to give the fly a clean, streamlined profile. Your Black Gurgler is now complete and ready to entice saltwater species, such as bass, redfish, and tarpon, on the surface!

From: Davie McPhail

Materials Used;

Hook, Daiichi 2052 Silver size 5

Thread, Uni-8/0 White

Tail, Black Arctic Runner Silver Krystal Flash and Blue Mirror Flash

Back, Silver/ White Loco Foam

Rib, Silver Wire

Body, Pearl 5mm Fritz

Head, Silver/White Loco Foam