Epoxy/Resin Bodied Wet Flies

December 20, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

One of the great things about fly fishing for bluegills and other panfish is that you often have the opportunity to catch a lot of fish. Catching a dozen or more fish on a single flies has a tendency to wear them out pretty quick. It is an excellent problem to have if you are a fly tier because now you have a reason to tie more flies! That being said, I am always looking for a way to make flies more durable.

Fly Tying With Sheet Foam

December 14, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

Foam fly patterns come in all shapes in sizes for fish both large and small.

Sheets of inexpensive closed-cell foam have long been used for fly tying. This versatile material can be found everywhere and can be used to create an endless variety of flies and bugs for warm water fly fishing. Foam sheets can be found in local craft and variety stores, even your neighborhood Walmart carries the stuff. Of course, your local fly shop will carry sheet foam as well but often with an inflated price tag.

The Micro Gurgler

October 25, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

I recently wrote about Jack Gartside’s Gurgler pattern and how I adapt the design for fishing for bass and panfish. Tied in a size six, a gurgler makes a great pattern for both bass and large panfish. However, there are times when I want to fish something smaller just for panfish, and that is where the Micro Gurgler comes into its own.

Fly Tying Friday - The Hornberg Streamer by Bill Ninke

October 11, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

I received an email from my friend William Ninke last week regarding a new fly he was enjoying a lot of success with. Bill is one of the most innovative fly tiers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He is continually inventing new patterns or finding new ways to tie or improve existing flies. When he talks about flies I listen!

A Simple Gurgler Variation For Panfish & Bass

September 27, 2019 Panfish On The Fly

This variation of Jack Gartside’s Gurgler is a simple to tie topwater favorite of mine.

Jack Gartside’s Gurgler may very well be one of the most famous topwater patterns ever developed. The Gurgler is a simple foam pattern that can be tied in a broad range of sizes to target a wide variety of fish. The fly has been successfully used for everything from bluegill to large saltwater species and everything in between!