The Tarpon Bunny – a highly effective saltwater fly pattern renowned for its ability to entice strikes from one of the ocean's most prized gamefish, the tarpon.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of tying the trapob bunny.

Whether you're new to saltwater fly tying or seeking to expand your skills, join us as we unravel the Tarpon Bunny.

Materials Needed:

Hook: Saltwater streamer hook, sizes 1/0 to 4/0.
Thread: Strong thread, 3/0 to 6/0 in a suitable color (e.g., black, white).
Body: Rabbit zonker strip in a suitable color (e.g., black, purple, chartreuse).
Flash: Flashabou or similar flashy material.
Eyes: Stick-on or painted eyes.
Tail: Marabou feathers in a suitable color (e.g., black, purple, chartreuse).
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 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: Attach the Body

Cut a strip of rabbit zonker strip in a suitable color, approximately 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. Tie one end of the zonker 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 zonker strip for added attraction. Trim the flash to the desired length, usually slightly longer than the tail.

Step 5: Form the Body

Wrap the zonker strip forward along the hook shank in tight turns, creating the body of the fly. Secure the zonker strip with several tight wraps of thread just behind the hook eye.

Step 5: Tie in Hackle (Optional)

Select a saddle hackle feather in a suitable color and tie it in at the front of the hook shank, just behind the hook eye. The hackle should be facing rearward, with the shiny side facing outward.

Step 6: Attach Eyes

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

Step 7: Trim and Shape

Trim any excess zonker strip and shape the body of the fly as desired. You can taper the body to create a more streamlined profile.

Step 8: Apply Adhesive

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

Step 9: Final Touches

Trim any stray fibers and ensure the fly has a clean, finished appearance. Your Tarpon Bunny is now complete and ready to tempt tarpon and other saltwater species with its lifelike action and profile!

Feel free to adjust the colors and sizes of materials to match local baitfish and target species preferences.

Make sure to watch this video 👇👇👇👇👇

From: Davie McPhail

Materials Used;

Hook, Mustad C68SZ Tarpon size 1/0 Thread, UTC 140 Fl.Fire Orange

Under Tail, Orange Bucktail and Orange Krystal Flash

Tail, Spirit River Fire Tiger 1/8 Zonker Strip

Throat, Fire Tiger 1/8 Zonker Strip and a Orange and Yellow Hackle

Eyes, 4mm White Eyes

Head, Fl.Fire Orange