This is a synthetic bulk-head style fly. The bulk-head, originally designed by Bob Popovics was designed to push a lot of water, and that, it certainly does.
Measuring in at around 9”, this pattern uses a variant of the brush I use in the sEEker fly, having slightly more fibres in the head. Despite the bulky look, it is a relatively easy fly to cast, considering its size. It is tied on a Sakuma Manta Extra 5/0 up front, and a Sakuma Manta Xtra 3/0 in the tail (please see additional note below), connected using 60lb nylon coated wire. For those of you that don’t know, the shape of a stinger hook has far superior hookup ratios, to that of a standard Aberdeen style hook.
This pattern can be fished slowly, with strip pauses causing the fly to swipe and dance in any which direction. A great pattern for colder temperatures when the Pike start to slow down.
PLEASE NOTE - Unfortunately, one of my suppliers is no longer able to supply the Gamakatsu B10s Stinger hooks, and they are no longer available to purchase in the UK. I will be now be using Sakuma Manta Xtra’s in 3/0, which are exactly the same weight and size (just a slightly different shape) to replace them. I’m really sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Colours:
Goldfish - A custom blend of orange and fluorescent yellow fibres in the wing, with a Lantern orange core. Holographic yellow and orange magnum flashabou. Fluorescent orange micro flash throughout. This is an extremely fluorescent pattern, great in coloured water, as well as in fading/low light conditions. I find bright colours are also great for enticing aggressive reaction strikes, when the more natural colours are failing to produce results.
Naked Firetiger - Fluorescent Chartreuse wing fibres with a fluorescent orange core. A mix of holographic orange, chartreuse, barred neon green, and yellow magnum flashabou. This is an extremely fluorescent pattern, great in coloured water, as well as in fading/low light conditions. I find bright colours are also great for enticing aggressive reaction strikes, when the more natural colours are failing to produce results.
Dirty Herring - White wing fibres. Grey core, with some fluorescent orange blended into the head. A mix of holographic silver, flat silver, and holographic teal magnum flashabou. A great colour for clearer water conditions and brighter weather.
Copper Bream - Copper wing fibres. Brown core, with some fluorescent orange blended into the head. A mix of gold, holographic copper and holographic brown magnum flashabou. 12mm fluorescent red eyes. A great all round colour.
Red Head - White wing fibres with some fluorescent red fibres in the head. White core in the tail, fluorescent red core in the head. A mix of blue pearl, holographic silver, silver and holographic red magnum flashabou. A great all round colour.
Midnight Rainbow *NEW* - Mainly black fibres throughout, with some dark purple blended into the head. Multicoloured Rainbow magnum flashabou throughout. 12mm fluorescent red eyes. When you want to try something ‘different’, this is my own variation of the classic black/purple head.
Ghost *NEW* - Fluorescent white wing fibres with a glow in the dark core. A blend of pearl and opal mirage (extremely reflective) magnum flashabou, with gold micro flashabou throughout. A great fly to use in low light conditions. This fly can be ‘charged up’ with a torch (uv torch more suited).
Natural Bream *NEW* - A blend of dark brown and bronze wing fibres with a copper core. A blend of holographic copper, Holo brown, copper and gold magnum flashabou with bronze micro flash throughout. Black/bronze head. Bream patterns have always, and will continue to be my go to. I’ve had more success on bream or darker/black patterns than any other. A true all rounder.
Natural Roach *NEW* - A blend of grey fibres in the wing with an off-white core. A blend of pearl, Holo silver, Holo black and opal mirage magnum flashabou with silver micro flash throughout. Dark grey head blended with a mixture of blues and green micro flash. Another favourite colour of mine. I always prefer to fish natural colours when I can, especially on harder fished waters. Another true all rounder that I never leave home without.
Lemon Head *NEW* - White wing fibres. White core in the tail with a fluorescent yellow core up front. A blend of opal pearl, and opal mirage magnum flashabou. Blue pearl micro flash throughout the tail, with fluorescent yellow throughout the head. A great colour for dirty water, or alternatively, clear water in fading light conditions.