How to Tie a Finger Mullet Black Tail

The finger mullet is a saltwater baitfish and common food source for large game fish. Mullet travel in schools and are easily identified as large reflections beneath the water. The fish are also identified by the high level of activity and leaping as the schools are attacked by permit, tarpon and other predatory species. Flies tied to imitate the baitfish are simple in design with sparse bodies and minimal materials. Multiple patterns are effective for imitating the finger mullet, with the durable Puglisi synthetic fibers as a top choice.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • 2/0 saltwater hook
  • White GSP thread
  • Puglisi fibers in black, white and olive
  • Soft bristle comb
  • Stick-on eyes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the hook in the vise and clamp the jaws. Start the thread at the eye of the hook and wrap over two-thirds of the hook shank.

    • 2

      Cut a thin clump of black Puglisi fibers from a bunch. Measure the fibers to match three times the length of the hook shank. Hold the fibers on top of the hook at the thread. Make three firm thread wraps to secure the fibers. Wrap the thread over the fibers until you reach the bend of the hook. Return the thread to the hook eye.

    • 3

      Cut a thin clump of olive Puglisi fibers. Measure the fibers slightly shorter than the black fibers. Hold the fibers on top of the hook shank and make ten firm thread wraps to secure the fibers in place.

    • 4

      Remove the hook from the vise and replace it in an upside down position. Cut a thin clump of white Puglisi fibers that closely resembles the size of the olive fibers. Measure the fibers to match the length of the olive fibers. Hold the fibers on the bottom of the hook shank and make ten wraps to secure the fibers.

    • 5

      Use a whip finisher to tie ten half-hitch knots at the eye of the hook. Use scissors to cut the thread flush to the knots.

    • 6

      Use a soft bristle comb to shape the fibers. Run the comb through the fibers, ending at the tail. Use the comb to manipulate the fibers and create a flat profile on the sides of the fly.

    • 7

      Use scissors to trim the fly into the form of a baitfish. Trim the head in a round shape and gradually taper the fly into a narrow tail.

    • 8

      Remove the adhesive backing from a stick-on eye. Place the eye on the side of the head with slight pressure. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the head.