Mr Whitebait

by Danny Sauvageau

The name “Whitebait” is a loose term used to describe small silver-pear minnows found all over in the saltwater.  This fly imitates Pilchards, Sardines, Herring, Bunkers, Shad and other baitfish.  This fly has landed Snook, Seatrout, Mackerel, Kingfish, Striped Bass, Albacore, Tuna and many other gamefish. This is also an effective fly in freshwater for bass and striper, and when tied in smaller sizes, crappie.

Material List:
Hook: Size 1 to 3/0 Gamakatsu SC15, Diahii 2456, Mustad 34007, 3407 or similar
Thread: Flat Waxed Nylon or Clear Mono
Tail: 4 to 6 White neck or saddle hackles and pearl Krystal Flash.
Body: Sparkle Braid pearl or silver
Collar: Neer Hair (polar)
Topping: Angel Hair peacock green.
Throat: Rabbit fur (Zonker), Krystal Flash or Polar Fibre, Red.
Eyes: 3-D Prism eyes
Coating: Devcon 5 minute epoxy or light activated resin (Tuffleye, etc.).

Tying Instructions:
Step 1 – Tie on 4 to 6 wide white saddle or neck hackles to the length of fly you want. Splay them like a tarpon fly.

Step 2 – Put 12 to 20 pieces of pearl Krystal Flash outside the hackles. Other flash like flashabou, Comes Alive work fine.

Step 3 – Tie on the pearl sparkle braid at the rear of the hook and wrap to the eye of the fly and tie off.

Step 4 – Tie on a few groups of Neer Hair extending just past the hook for a collar. Do not make it too long or it will foul the hook.

Step 5 – Tie on a small bunch or peacock green Angel Hair on top of the fly, and a small pinch of red rabbit fur on the throat.

Step 6 – Place the stick on eyes and cover with epoxy.

Presentation Tips: This is a deceiver style fly, with the original bucktail collar replaced by synthetic materials. It is no secret that many game fish love to eat Whitebait.

Featured in July 2015 Windknots