The pattern notebook · streamer
DT Special
How do you tie a DT Special?
DT Special is a streamer fly pattern for Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout. Find its 6 materials and 4 tying steps below.
- Difficulty
- 2 of 5
- Target species
- Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout
Added to catalog · Updated
At the vise
Materials
- Saltwater Hook, Gamakatsu B10S, sizes 1/0-2
- Thread (140 Denier), Chartreuse
- Chartreuse/White Saddle Hackle
- Flashabou, Pearl
- Adhesive Eyes, 7mm
- UV Resin
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Tying instructions
Don't forget the flash - Sometimes the mind drifts a bit when tying, and it's easy (especially when working on new patterns) to skip a step in the process. Such was the case with the above tutorial. Flash should have been added to the tail between steps 3 & 4, but was forgotten in the moment. While unlikely to be a deal breaker for the fish, try to remember this step when tying the above pattern yourself. You never know when that extra bit of flash might trigger a strike.
Epoxy vs UV Resin - Often times, I recommend the use of UV Resin for patterns that may have originally called for epoxy. While both serve a similar purpose, keep in mind that each has its own advantages. In the case of UV Resin, the advantage is expediency. The resin cures in a matter of seconds under UV light, and you're ready to fish. However, it is also far less durable. Given these flies are being used to target large, predatory fish, this is a tradeoff every angler should consider. What matters more to you? Expediency while tying? Or durability in the field?
Hotspot - Along with the optional eyes included in the tutorial above, a variation on the DT Special created by Steve Gibson includes a hotspot of red thread extending along the hook shank in front of the head. Consider adding a few of these to your box along with the classic DT Special tied above. You never know what the fish might be keying in on.
A Flats Fly - While Jim primarily fishes this fly in the surf, he was kind enough to mention that it has also proven successful on the flats as well. There Jim replaces the hackle collar with one made of a dubbing brush. Both reds and sea trout have fallen for this variant.