Below: Barrett's Tarpon Toad
Originally developed by Gary Merriman , the Tarpon Toad (left) has rapidly become one of THE flies for Tarpon. This version, as tied by Chris Beech, is the Australian Flyfishing Outfitters‘ go-to fly for many of the species on the flats, including Barra in and around the snags – hence the weed guard, and should be good fun on bream and flathead.
From Fly Fishers International
The Sppooky Shad is a combination of some techniques developed by Anthony Hipps and John Gulley.
“I have always wanted to have a fly that emulated the Zara Spook.
“John developed a fly called the lil spook and built it around some double sticky sided foam tape.
This is a really good fly quite at home in any puddle – be it saltwater or fresh. It’s basically a caricature of something living.
The secret is the fur over the wing as this gives the fly action even when it’s not moving.
The Foam Minnow is a realistic looking fly that appeals to both fly fisher and fish.
Recipe
- Hook: Mustad R74-9672, #6-#10
- Thread: GSP, White
- Tail: UV2 Grizzly Soft Hackle, Olive or Brown
- Underbody: 2mm Sheet Foam, White
- Overbody: Mylar Piping, Pearlescent or Pearlescent Dyed Olive
- Eyes: Stick-on eyes
Tying Note: Use permanent markers to colour and mark body to match your local baitfish or fry.
The Pheasant Tail Nymph is a fly that no trout fly fisher should be without. It can be tied with or without a bead head, with or without a flashback wingcase and with or without legs. The thorax can be peacock herl or any type of dubbing.
A great mid-size mid water fly – in sizes 1 to 6 and colours white over white, olive over white or tan and olive over shrimp.
Note these are great flies for all sorts of fishes – the white polar fibre goes fairly clear in the water and moves similar to the action of baitfish.