Bass Popper

The addition of a plastic tube holds the head foam apart and also creates a great popping action. Flick the rod tip to give a distinct bloop to attract any fish in the area or strip it slowly to create a wake. Lead can also be incorporated at the bend of the hook to cause the tail of the fly to hang down in the water when at rest. This helps prevent the fly being pushed aside when the fish strikes and consequently tends to increase the hookup rate.

Hook:
Tiemco 8089 #6 or Gamakatsu B10S #2 - #1

Thread:
black flat waxed

Materials:
Body - black estaz  chenille and small plastic tube

Tail - chartreuse or black marabou

Head - black closed cell foam

Eyes – black/red prismatic or dolls eyes

Glues - super glue gel

Instructions:

1   Lay a base of two layers of thread along the hook shank. Tie in the tail material over the hook point.

2.  Tie in the chenille at the hook bend and wrap it up to the hook eye, tie off and trim excess.

3.  Cut a piece of plastic tubing - it should extend from behind the hook eye to the tie in tie in point for the tail material. Bind it in place on top of the hook shank using wraps that are firm without squashing the tubing. Whip finish and cut thread. Apply some super glue to the threads to secure to the hook shank

4.   Cut a piece of black foam so that the length extends from the just in front of the hook eye to the end of the plastic tube. Adjust the width so that it is seated against the tubing and it extends down to the bottom of the hook shank.

Working quickly, spread super glue gel over one side of the foam.

Carefully, place the foam in position and squeeze the foam together until the glue cures.

5   The "hood" should not extend by more than 2 or 3mm. If it is too big, the water pressure during the action of popping the fly will turn the foam back.

6   Attach a set of eyes. Covering the foam with softex with add to the robustness of the fly.