How to Fish a Woolly Bugger on a Spinning Reel

The woolly bugger is a productive streamer fly pattern. Fishing the fly with a spinning rod and reel is possible by using a clear plastic bubble rig. The bubble provides the weight required for casting and controls the depth of the fly. The bubble is also compatible with other streamer patterns, dry flies and nymphs. The assembled rig is easy to cast and you can control the rate of retrieve and action of the woolly bugger. The system is common for trout fishing but also works well for bass, pike and bluegill.

Things You'll Need

  • Clear plastic bubble
  • Swivel
  • 6-pound-test fluorocarbon line
  • Line clippers
  • Split shot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide a clear plastic bubble on the line. The bubble has a hole down the center to accommodate the line.

    • 2

      Tie the line to the ring end of a clip swivel with a clinch knot. Pull the end of the line through the ring and twist the ring seven times. Pull the end of the line through the loop at the bottom of the twists and pull the knot tight. Clip off the extra end of line flush to the knot.

    • 3

      Cut a 3-foot section of 6-pound-test fluorocarbon line from a spool. Tie a surgeon's loop on one end of the line. Fold the end to make a loop and tie the loop in a double overhand knot. Clip off the extra end flush to the knot.

    • 4

      Apply pressure to the swivel clip until it pops into an open position. Hook the loop on the clip. Apply pinching pressure again to close the clip.

    • 5

      Tie the free end of the line to the woolly bugger with a clinch knot. Clip off the extra end flush to the knot.

    • 6

      Use pliers to pinch a split shot 8 inches above the fly. The split shot prevents the fly from tangling on the bubble and sinks the fly quickly.

    • 7

      Unscrew the bubble to expose the two halves. Fill one of the halves with water and screw the halves together. The water adds weight for casting distance without sinking the bubble.

    • 8

      Cast the rig and leave it motionless in the water for 1 minute. Make five full revolutions with the reel handle and pause for 10 seconds. Repeat the sequence until the rig is fully retrieved.