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The pattern notebook · streamer

Articulated Baitfish

How do you tie a Articulated Baitfish?

Articulated Baitfish is a streamer fly pattern for Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass, Pike. Find its 11 materials and 12 tying steps below.

Difficulty
4 of 5
Target species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass, Pike
Pattern designer
Various (modern articulated style)

Added to catalog · Updated

At the vise

Materials

  • Rear Hook: Gamakatsu B10S, size 2
  • Front Shank: Flymen Fish-Skull Articulated Shank, 25mm
  • Thread (6/0 or 140 Denier), White or Olive
  • Connector: Beadalon Wire, 20lb
  • Tail: White Marabou
  • Body (Rear): Pearl Ice Dub or Estaz
  • Body (Front): White and Olive Craft Fur or Bucktail
  • Flash: Pearl Flashabou
  • Eyes: Fish-Skull Living Eyes, 6mm
  • UV Resin
  • Head Cement

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Tying instructions

  1. Secure the rear hook in the vise. Start thread and wrap to the bend.

  2. Tie in a full clump of white marabou at the bend for the tail. It should be about 1.5 times the hook length.

  3. Add 4-6 strands of pearl Flashabou along each side of the tail.

  4. Tie in pearl Estaz or dub Ice Dub for the rear body. Wrap forward to behind the eye. Tie off.

  5. Whip finish the rear section. Apply head cement.

  6. Thread Beadalon wire through the rear hook eye. Slide on the articulated shank and secure the wire loop.

  7. Secure the front shank in the vise. Attach thread.

  8. Tie in white craft fur or bucktail on the underside. Add olive on top. Add Flashabou on each side.

  9. Build up the head area with additional craft fur for a broader profile.

  10. Apply Fish-Skull Living Eyes to each side of the head with super glue.

  11. Coat the head and eyes with UV resin for a smooth, durable finish.

  12. Whip finish. Check that the articulation joint moves freely.

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