How to Tie an Anchovy Fly

Anchovy are natural forage for many coveted game fish species. Tying flies patterned after the anchovy can entice elusive fish such as trout, skipjack tuna, Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Experiment with different wing colors like white, tan, chartreuse and olive. For freshwater angling, use natural colors to match the hatch in your local fishing streams and lakes.

Things You'll Need

  • Short shank hook, size 4 to 1
  • Clear mono thread, .006-inch
  • White Monocord, 3/0 weight
  • Pearl E-Z Body tubing with black lateral line, small
  • Flashabou feathers
  • Zonker strip
  • Prismatic eyes, size 2.5EY
  • Epoxy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 1-1/2 inch piece of pearl E-Z Body tubing and insert the tubing from the hook point up to the spot near the hook eye. Thread it on the hook shank so that the material covers the shank and extends past the bend.

    • 2

      Push the tubing back toward the bend so that its end is at the middle of the shank. Tie the clear mono thread behind the hook eye and put the lightweight bobbin threader into the E-Z Body tubing.

    • 3

      Cut a dozen full-length strands of Flashabou and moisten the tips. Insert the tips into the threader, then fold the strands in half.

    • 4

      Hold both ends of the flash and pull it into the tubing along with the threader. Use the clear thread to tie it down. Cut off some of the Flashabou so that the length is 1/2-inch longer than the tubing. Tie the tubing behind the hook eye; this lines it up parallel along the shank.

    • 5

      Wrap zonker strip at the head of the fly with numerous turns to build shape. Trim the zonker strip's hide with a razor blade so that the length is at least 1/2-inch longer than the tubing.

    • 6

      Put a prismatic eye onto the side of the head by wrapping it in place with the clear thread. Repeat on the other side and tie off.

    • 7

      Position the fly in reverse so that the point of the hook faces toward the vise jaws. Wet and split the Zonker strip fur in half near the end of the tubing.

    • 8

      Tie the tail end of Zonker strip with the 3/0 Monocord. Use 10 inches of thread and make 4 to 5 turns around your finger, then slide it over the tail end to tighten and tie down. Secure the Zonker strip along the tubing and tie a dozen turns over the separation spot. Whip finish, then trim off any excess. Apply head cement to secure the ties.

    • 9

      Secure the prismatic eyes by applying epoxy.