How to Tie Puglisi Flies

Enrico Puglisi is a saltwater fly-fishing expert and original fly tyer. Puglisi flies are designed using synthetic hair to build a baitfish that resembles natural mullet and shad. Tying Puglisi flies requires moderate fly-tying skills and possession of the unique Puglisi fibers. The flies are designed for saltwater use but are adaptable to any environment with a baitfish food source. Puglisi flies will catch bass, pike, trout, muskie and carp in fresh water as well as most saltwater sport fish species.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Gel spun thread
  • Enrico Puglisi Fibers
  • Instant glue
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Stick-on eyes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp the hook in a fly-tying vise. Wrap the thread from the hook eye to the one-half point.

    • 2

      Cut a thin chunk of the Puglisi fiber from the patch. Measure the fibers to match three times the length of the hook. Hold the base of the measurement at the thread and make six thread wraps to secure the fibers.

    • 3

      Cut an equal length of fibers in a different color than the latter. Contrasting colors like black and white work well for the fly. Hold the fibers on the hook immediately behind the original fibers. Adjust the length to match the original fibers and make six thread wraps to secure the second layer.

    • 4

      Release the hook from the vise and turn it upside down. Return the hook to the vise in the inverted position and clamp the jaws. Tie a third layer of Puglisi fibers on the bottom of the hook. Measure the fibers to match one-half the length of the two original strands. Red or white is common for the bottom layer on the fly.

    • 5

      Wrap the thread at the hook eye until you form a head. Add a drop of instant glue to the thread and cut the thread from the fly.

    • 6

      Remove the fly from the vise. Use a soft-bristle brush or a toothbrush to stroke the fibers into a baitfish form. Stroke the fibers repeatedly to create a tall, narrow body. Trim the top and bottom of the fibers into a tapered pattern with a fat head and skinny tail.

    • 7

      Add a drop of instant glue to a stick-on eye and push the eye against the side of the head. Repeat on the opposite side for matching eyes.