Fed’s Gotcha Variant is a highly effective saltwater shrimp fly pattern designed to imitate the small prawns and crustaceans that are a primary food source for many inshore gamefish. Based on the proven Gotcha fly design, this modern variation features a body of Fly Tyer’s Dungeon FF Braid Shrimp, creating a realistic translucent profile with subtle segmentation that closely resembles a natural shrimp. The medium pearl E-Z Body tail adds lifelike movement and flash, helping to attract species such as whiting, bream, flathead, and trevally in both clear and lightly stained water.
A wing of Fly Tyer’s Dungeon Congo Plus with gold flash fibres enhances the fly’s visibility while maintaining a natural baitfish and shrimp silhouette. The lightweight synthetic materials are durable, easy to cast, and retain their shape after repeated strikes. Ideal for fishing estuaries, tidal flats, coastal lagoons, and shallow saltwater environments, Fed’s Gotcha Variant is a versatile saltwater fly fishing pattern that consistently produces results when fish are feeding on shrimp. Whether you’re targeting Australian estuary species or tropical flats fish, this realistic shrimp imitation fly deserves a place in every fly angler’s box.
Materials
- Hook:Firehole size 8
- Eyes:Hourglass black
- Thread:Orange
- Tail:E-Z body medium pearl
- Body:Fly Tyer’s Dungeon FF braid shrimp
- Wing:Fly Tyer’s Dungeon Congo plus gold
- Wing:Crystal flash
Tying Instructions
- Secure the hourglass eyes to the hook shank using a series of firm figure-eight wraps. Position them approximately one-third of the hook length behind the eye.
- Cover the hook shank with a smooth thread base, working from the hook eye to the bend.
- Tie in the medium pearl E-Z Body tail at the rear of the hook and secure it with tight thread wraps.
- Tie in the Fly Tyer’s Dungeon FF Braid Shrimp material at the base of the tail and advance the thread to the hourglass eyes.
- Wrap the FF Braid forward in touching turns to create a tapered body, stopping at the eyes. Secure the braid and trim the excess.
- Continue wrapping the braid in a figure-eight pattern around the hourglass eyes to maintain the body’s continuity. Tie off the braid immediately in front of the eyes and trim any excess material.
- Apply a thin coat of UV resin to the braided body and cure thoroughly with a UV light.
- Rotate the hook in the vice so it rides point-up. Tie in a wing of Fly Tyer’s Dungeon Congo Plus on the underside of the hook shank, extending slightly beyond the tail.
- Add three strands of Crystal Flash, doubled over the wing, and secure them with neat thread wraps.
- Build a smooth, tapered thread head in front of the eyes, whip finish, and trim the thread.
- Coat the thread head with UV resin and cure completely.
- Trim the Congo Plus wing and Crystal Flash to the desired length, then make any final adjustments to achieve the finished profile.
