Try on Fly - Learn to Fly Fish

Freshwater Fly Pattern

WEEDLESS GURGLER (Version 2)

Variation of Jack Gartside's original Gurgler pattern by Nial Logan

Although the original weedless design worked well, it had a couple of shortfalls when targeting Saratoga in the freshwater impoundments. The style of construction lessened the width of the gape and the high floating position meant that some hookups were missed. This variation still causes the fly to ride hook point up making it relatively snagless. When the fish strikes, the foam wings squash down out of the way and the gape is not narrowed. Because the tail of the fly hags lower in the water, the hookup rate is also improved. It can be twitched along with just the head out of the water to make a wake to imitate a struggling or swimming insect.

Hook:
#2 -1/0 Gamakatsu B10S

Thread:
black flat waxed

Materials:
Tail - black marabou
Body - estaz chenille in black or peaccock
Head and Wings - black closed cell foam 3-4mm thick in colour of choice - cut to about the width of a ice cream stick and 1.5 inches (5cms) long

Legs - black and gold spinner bait skirt rubbers
Eyes - gold 3D

Instructions:

1. Lay a base of thread along the hook shank and finish with thread behind hook eye.

2. Measure a bunch of marabou so it extends by one hook shank length past the bend, bind down back to the hook bend.

3. Attach the end of the chenille at the hook bend and move thread to about 1cm behind the hook eye.

4. Lay the 3 legs across the hook shank and attach using three figure eight wraps.

5. With the main length of the foam facing forward, attach the end 1cm behind the hook eye and bind up the the hook eye.

6. Finish with the thread hanging one eye width behind the hook eye.

7. Apply a little head cement to the bindings and along the length of the shank. While the cement is still wet, wrap the chenille forward to just behind the hook eye, tie off and trim excess chenille.

8. Double the excess foam backwards and secure with thread. Whip finish and apply some head cement to secure. Increase or decrease the floatation by making the doubled section larger or smaller.

9. Trim the foam level with hook point and cut the foam down the centre.

10. If desired, attach the eyes and cover with a small amount of Softex or Softdip to secure.

Notes:-

1. Vary the colour of the legs and body to suit local conditions.