Super Sized Spoon Flies

[coolrivertx]

The conventional fisherman use big spoons for bass, stripers, redfish...so why not big spoon flies? All the spoon flies I have seen were small, so I worked up a pattern and go to work. I used Daiichi #2462 hook in 2/0 and 4/0, and holographic patterned sheets. I bent the hooks, opened the gap some, and broke out the 5 minute epoxy. I was going to use Clear Cure Goo, but it's kind of expensive. The 2/0 casts easily on an #8 wt. I have yet to cast the 4/0, or the 6/0's that I will be working on next.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/BHumphries/R1-08093-0022.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/BHumphries/R1-08093-0016.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/BHumphries/R1-08093-0011.jpg

[Mark Kranhold]

Now you are considerd a spoon chucker, HAHA. No,those look great. Not really into spoon chuckin tho.

[coolrivertx]

The way these things flutter and drop in the water is pretty sexy. Just like a dying, sinking shad or baitfish! There are a few challenges getting the prep work done. Sticky back holo paper has a mind of it's own, and is somewhat difficult to manage. My latest trick is to tape two square end pieces of cardboard together like an open book, smear dubbing wax on the back sides of the holo paper, stick it to the cardboard, and slowly close the "book". My first attempt worked really good. Also, cutting the bodies is rather time consuming. So, I put five layers of holo paper that had been stuck together under my template, broke out the staple gun and stapled the whole thing to a cutting board. A good, sharp scalpel or hobby knife really helps here. I cut around the template and sped up the process considerably. I think I will cut a few more templates so I can cut a bunch at once. I plan on tossing these on T14 head and hope to use them off shore in May. They should be "killer" fluttering thru our chum line, where big red and mangrove snappers, AJ's and what ever else is feeding.

[Bob Laskodi]

You can send two dozen of them to me and I'll let you know if they work on west coast stripers! ;>} Pretty cool stuff!!!

[k.hanley]

Good looking collection there Brett. Congratulations on your guiding business by the way. I hope you get plenty of "eats" with those spoons.
Cheers, Ken

[Scott V]

Do they flutter when you cast, it seems like they would act like a sail when cast. Or is there enough weight on the fly to offset any fluttering?

[Larry S]

Brett:
I used spoon flies in Tampa Bay's Fort Desoto area several times with
some success on the redfish. Large (1/0) to smaller (#4.)
Your's are great looking! I do remember them as being easier to cast than
I thought they would be. Good luck with your endeavor.
Larry S
San Diego

[JD]

Very cool, Brett! So you just cut out the shape, bind it to the hook, and then smear with epoxy? Are they weighted at all? Will have to give these a shot.

[oldtrout]

You can make a mold for those out of silly putty. I saw that in some magazine, Fly Tyer, I think.

[Mark Kranhold]

How do they hold there shape after being munched on over and over?

[coolrivertx]

Thanks, guys! I appreciate your enthusiasm. They cut right thru the air, no problem, no flutter (that I am aware of). Remember, they are traveling horizontally at pretty high speeds. The 2/0 weighs about 2.5 grams and the 4/0 about 2.75 grams. I tried the mold thing, using play-doh. The flies weighed a lot! Maybe a quarter ounce? As for durability, so far, unknown. I don't think bass will do much damage. I am sure the saltwater species will put them to a test. I will let you know.

[Andy Guibord]

I like them, Bret. I should try one out here on the American for stripers.

[coolrivertx]

I will send you a couple after I get the 6/0 done. Don't be afraid!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I guess they use them in the Gulf for Redfish on fly rods.

[coolrivertx]

Yeah, Bill, they do. I was trying to imitate Daredevils and other "flutter" spoons for bass, stripers, white bass, etc. They do "flutter" pretty nice!

[Andy Guibord]

Hi ,Bret! Very cool. I would love to try that on the american for steelhead and stripers.

[coolrivertx]

Got my Daiichi 6/0's yesterday. Started by bending the shank, opening the gap, and smashing the barb. I will post pics soon. They are pretty bad azz! Keep an eye on the mail, Andy! We are planning a return to Pensacola in May, so I will be heaving them at snappers, cobia and what ever else shows up in the chum line.

[coolrivertx]

I just finished up some 6/0 spoons, tied on nickel Daiichi 2462 hooks. They are pretty cool. Weigh about 5 grams, so I guess they will have to go on the 10# or 12#. Also plan on trying them offshore in Pensacola in May. Will post pics soon. Brett