PUTZING AROUND OUTDOORS
By Jerry Kiesow
Bob’s Panfish Bugger
Editor’s note: To keep track of what he is doing and where, to see his photos and read some of his other writings, including his book, “Tales of The Peshtigo Putzer,” check out his website: www.jerrykiesowoc.com.
I was standing in the arch of my garage service door. Before me the coals in my grill glowed beautifully. On the far side of the grill snow fell. Is it December? No. It is March. March 8, to be exact. I had been inside all day, tying flies at the Milwaukee Sports Show, and the fresh air felt good.
I was thinking about the show and the little fly we tied - Bob’s Panfish Bugger. Bob is Bob Hasse, a master tyer who builds his life around the craft and the sport of fly fishing.
As I attended to dinner, I decided it is a fly you should learn to tie. It is not difficult. Just follow the yellow brick road, or my photos and instructions -whichever is easier.
Tying Bob’s Panfish Bugger
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The materials list for this fly is simple: #10 wet fly hook (I used a Mustad). Dark glass beads (purchased from a craft shop). Dyed rabbit fur strips (color of your choice, this one is black). Chenille for the body (color of your choice, but complementary to the head and tail colors, I used white here). An emu feather for ribbing the body (I did not have emu, so I used ostrich herl. Again, color complimentary to other colors, I used grey). |
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Slide the glass bead on to hook, after squeezing down the barb. Even then, you may have to open the bend of the hook slightly. If you do, then be sure to bend it back before beginning the tie. Attach the thread. On this pattern I used black for photo purposes. I suggest you use a complimentary color to the body. |
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Snip off a little rabbit tail fur and tie on for the tail. Be sure to brush out all the loose fibers first. Trim the excess. |
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Tie in the ostrich herl and the chenille. |
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Wrap the chenille forward to the bead. Tie off. |
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Palmer the ostrich herl over the chenille body, ending at the bead with three consecutive, overlapping wraps. Tie off and whip finish. |
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And there you have it. Bob’s Panfish Bugger. I have not yet fished it, but have no doubt it will catch fish, and probably not only panfish. Tie a few in a variety of sizes and color combinations. Let me know how it works. |
Until next time, keep a good thought!
Jerry