Step by Step Guide: Salt Water Fly Tying for Beginners “Gotcha” (Bonefish Shrimp Fly)
Featuring : Davie McPhail
Introducing the "Gotcha" fly – a go-to pattern in saltwater fly fishing when it comes to Bonefish.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of tying this highly effective bonefish shrimp fly.
Whether you're new to saltwater fly tying or seeking to expand your repertoire, join us as we look into the secrets behind crafting the "Gotcha.
Materials Needed:
Hook: Saltwater hook, size 4 to 8.
Thread: Fine thread, 6/0 to 8/0 in a suitable color (e.g., pink, tan).
Tail: Pearl Krystal Flash or similar flashy material.
Body: Pearl or tan chenille.
Wing: Tan craft fur or synthetic material.
Eyes: Medium bead chain eyes or dumbbell eyes.
Legs (optional): Silicone or rubber legs in a matching color.
Shellback (optional): Thin strip of clear or colored plastic.
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: Attach the Eyes
Tie in the bead chain eyes or dumbbell eyes on top of the hook shank, just above the point where you started wrapping the thread. Make several tight wraps to secure the eyes in place.
Step 3: Tie in the Tail
Take a few strands of pearl Krystal Flash or similar flashy material and tie them in at the back of the hook shank, just above the bend of the hook. Trim the excess flash so that it extends to about the length of the hook shank.
Step 4: Form the Body
Tie in a piece of pearl or tan chenille at the base of the tail and wrap the thread forward to just behind the eyes. Wrap the chenille forward in tight, touching turns to form the body of the fly. Tie off the chenille and trim any excess.
Step 5: Tie in the Wing
Select a small clump of tan craft fur or synthetic material for the wing of the fly. Trim away any excess underfur or short hairs and align the tips of the fibers. Tie in the wing material on top of the hook shank, just in front of the eyes. Trim the excess material so that it extends to about the length of the hook shank.
Step 6: Add Legs (Optional)
Tie in a few strands of silicone or rubber legs on each side of the fly, just behind the eyes. Trim the legs to the desired length, usually about the length of the body.
Step 8: Secure and Finish
Wrap the thread around the wing material, legs (if added), 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 9: Apply Adhesive
Apply a small amount of superglue or UV resin to the thread wraps securing the eyes and the thread head. This will add extra durability to the fly and ensure the materials stay in place during fishing.
Step 10: Final Touches
Trim any excess material to give the fly a clean, streamlined profile. Your "Gotcha" fly is now complete and ready to tempt bonefish and other saltwater species!
Watch the Video below 👇👇👇👇
From: Davie McPhail
http://www.fullingmill.co.uk/?fmpromp...
Gotcha (Bonefish Shrimp Fly) Materials Used;
Hook, Saltwater Shrimp size 4
Thread, White
Tail, Pearl Krystal Flash
Under-Body, Glo-Brite Multi-Yarn White No.16 or
Antron Body, Pearl Braid
Under-Wing, Pearl Braid
Wing, Natural Tan Arctic Runner and Summer Duck Fibres
Dumbells, Silver Chain
Bead Head, Glo-Brite No.9