SLF WHITEBAIT

Variation of Murray Wilson's "BMS" Pattern by Nial Logan

This fly has been used successfully to catch Giant Herring, Tarpon. Queenfish and in small sizes for Mack Tuna and Frigate Mackerel.



Hook:
#2 to 2/0 Gamakatsu SL12S

Thread:
white flat waxed

Materials:
Gill Colour - red SLF
Tail - SLF
Body - SLF dubbing in colour of choice
Lateral line - silver mylar tinsel or lateral line
Head - built up thread
Eyes - silver /black prismatic
Note: Dubbing can be purchased or it can be manufactured by cutting short lengths off a hank and blending it in a coffee grinder. The latter method allows the addition of flash in the form of Angel Hair at the same time.

Instructions:
1. Lay down a base of thread from the hook eye to the bend.

2. Cut SLF from hank, double and cut in half. Use a fine comb to remove short lengths and untangle the fibres. Double and cut in half again. (Keep all off-cuts and use for dubbing)

3. Hand stack to taper the end. Secure with thread on top of hook shank so that materials extend by a hook length past the bend. Wrap back to the bend.

4. Form a dubbing loop and move thread up to hook eye.

5. Take some SLF dubbing and tease it out so that it is about the thickness of a match stick and about 3 inches long. Place the SLF in the loop and twirl the loop. Form the body by winding the dubbing forward, using close wraps so that the hook shank is covered from the bend to one hook eye width behind the eye. Tie off and trim excess.

6. Use a piece velcro with hooks to lightly tease out the ends of the fibres of the dubbing.

7. Attach the lateral line behind the hook eye on either side and trim so that it extends to the bend of the hook.

8. Cut a small piece of red SLF and attach under the hook shank just behind the hook eye to simulate the gills.

9. Form a neat tapered head. Whip finish and apply a drop of head cement to secure.

10. Use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the head to flatten the sides. This makes it easier to attach the eyes.

11. Attach eyes and coat the head with a couple of light coats “hard as nails”. Epoxy can also be used but this tends to yellow after a period of time

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