Bear’s Bunker
Hook – Mustad #34011 or salt water hook of preference, sizes #2 to #5/0. Thread – Clear monofilament.
Body – Flash n’ slinky or slinky fiber, adding flash material of preference. (There are a ton of artificial materials out there on the market. Use your personal
favorite)
Eyes – Reflective doll eyes applied with Zap-a-dap-a-goo. Adhesive/Coating – Upon completion apply softex to the front portion of the fly.
This fly is actually an improved and advanced version of what was previously known as “Bear’s Big Yak Attack”. There was a time when I would never tie or fish flies comprised primarily of artificial materials. I preferred to fish large deceiver type “grocery flies”. Some of the newer materials now available have changed my mind. These “new” materials, with their iridescent silhouette, catch fish like crazy. Also, this pattern is so versatile it can imitate the complete range of bait fish, from silversides to bunker. This is an easy fly to tie. It just takes a little practice. Each one is like your own personal little sculpture and will reflect your tying “style”.
Begin by tying in a length of flash n’ slinky approximately 1 ½ to 2 times the hook shank length. Tie it in at the bend of the hook. Then start alternating and layering material on the top and bottom of the hook shank. Just like all traditional bait patterns your darker or “primary” color will be on top. Mix in your flash of preference into the flash n’ slinky. One of my favorites is angle hair. You want to tie this fly in a manner to minimize trimming and material waste. Make sure you apply a good head cement for durability where each body segment is tied to the hook shank. Glue on eyes. Finally add softex to the front portion of the fly with a bodkin.