Poon fly

I have been asked to post a tarpon fly, here ya go!

This fly is tied in the Keys style of tarpon flies and the one pictured below is dressed on a 2/0 hook. I tie it sparse and after much time at the bench tweaking and testing on the water it has become a fantastic pattern.

I suggest sharpening the hook point at the vise before tying the fly and periodically on the water as well. You want to be sure when you hook up you can get the hook to stick, tarpons mouths are extremely hard to penetrate and a sharp hook is essential! I list the Owner Aki hook as the first option in the dressing simply due to this hook having grown to be used by many as "The" tarpon hook. Whichever hook you may choose to tie the fly on provided it is a strong saltwater hook with a sharp point will work fine.

Tie the tail as far back on the shank near the hook bend as possible and once you are happy with the position of the bucktail make a few parachute wraps to "kick" the tail up a bit. This will also aid in the tail not fouling during casting. When applying the epoxy I make sure to cover all of the tread wraps, the eyes and the base of the white hackle feather slightly. The fish are simply brutal on the flies and this will help create a more durable pattern. And as always, be sure you are happy with the shape of the epoxy before you hit it with the UV light.



Poon Fly
Hook: Owner Aki or Daiichi 2546 in the appropriate size.
Thread: Hot pink
Tail: The tail is comprised of four parts, they are listed here in tying order. A small clump of un-stacked white bucktail that is slightly longer than the shank of the hook. A few strands of pearl krystal flash tied on top.  A small pinch of pink Icelandic sheep hair on each side, half of the length of the bucktail. One natural grizzly hackle feather on each side.
Collar: 2 White cock hackles tied on and wound wet fly style.
Eyes: 3D Holographic eyes, size to match the fly.
Epoxy: UV knot sense covering the eyes and all of the thread wraps.

Tight lines!
Nikki