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The pattern notebook · streamer

Zonker

How do you tie a Zonker?

Zonker is a streamer fly pattern for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike. Find its 7 materials and 10 tying steps below.

Difficulty
3 of 5
Target species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike
Pattern designer
Dan Byford

Added to catalog · Updated

At the vise

Materials

  • Streamer Hook, TMC 5263 or Mustad 9672, sizes 4-10
  • Thread (6/0), Olive or White
  • Underbody: Lead Wire or Lead-Free Wire, .020
  • Body: Pearl Mylar Tubing
  • Wing/Back: Rabbit Strip, Natural or Olive
  • Throat: Red Hackle Fibers or Red Thread (optional)
  • Head Cement or UV Resin

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Tying instructions

  1. Secure the hook in the vise. Wrap 15-20 turns of lead wire on the shank for weight. Secure with thread.

  2. Start thread behind the eye and wrap a base over the lead wire.

  3. Cut a piece of pearl Mylar tubing slightly longer than the shank. Remove the inner core string.

  4. Slide the Mylar tubing over the hook shank. Tie down the rear end at the bend.

  5. Cut a rabbit strip about 2 inches long (hide and fur). Trim one end to a point.

  6. Tie in the pointed end of the rabbit strip at the bend, fur side up, extending rearward as the tail/wing.

  7. Advance the thread forward. Tie down the front end of the Mylar tubing behind the eye.

  8. Pull the rabbit strip forward over the top of the body. Tie down behind the eye.

  9. Trim the excess rabbit strip in front. Optionally, tie in a few red hackle fibers as a throat.

  10. Build a smooth thread head. Whip finish and apply head cement or UV resin to the head.

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