The zonker – invented American fly fisher Dan Byford- a minnow-shaped imitation of a small baitfish. Today it is one of the classic patterns used by fly fishermen to imitate small baitfish.

Back in the 1970s, when the zonker was first publicised, this fly was new. Streamers typically were tied using feathers and bucktail. However, seeing the furs natural movement it became key to the Zonker pattern. With a shiny body representing the body of the baitfish, these are deadly flies if used correctly.

The zonker does not represent a particular baitfish like an epoxy minnow but are a generic pattern. These should be fished across the predator and then retrieved quickly away, imitating a small baitfish dashing away from the predator. Fish across the current, small baitfish do not often swim against the current to avoid a fast moving and strong predator.

Materials

• Hook: 3X-long streamer hook 2 to 10.
• Thread: Red and Black.
• Tail: Excess wing material.
• Body: Mylar tubing and non-lead wire.
• Wings: Rabbit strip (not cross cut)
• Head: Thread