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Current Tags for This Pattern
/ Foam / Softex / Topwater /

Foam Head Topwater

 
tied by steelie
Fly Type: Poppers/Sliders,
Target Species: Freshwater Bass,
Recommended Region: Northeast US,
Imitation: General Baitfish,
Material List: Hook: Mustad C52S BLN 2/0 or egual Bass Stinger Hook.
Thread: To color, Monocord is good.
Head: Hard Foam "Perfect Popper" size 4
Wing Fibers/Hair: Stiff synthetic fibers/hair or otherwise... STIFF... too soft and the hair will wrap around the hook shank.
Interior Fibers: Soft highly reflective or holographic fibers/hair.
Eyes: Stick on holographic
Softex to hold fibers in place and coat head to protect eyes.


Tying Instructions: - Drill/dremel out a hole in the point of the poppers head so it will slide over the hair later.
- Start thread and apply drop of super glue to wraps.
- Cut first bunch of hair. This should be the bunch that eventually gets pulled over the top of the head. Cut approximately two hook lengths long. Point off front of hook facing away from the hook bend.
- Repeat for two sides and bottom.
- Cut ends at slight taper to facilitate easier addition of the head.
- Tie in a bit of the soft reflective or holographic hair pointing back toward hook bend. Cut a pinch shorter than two hook lengths.
- Apply drop of glue to front wraps.
- Slide head in to place and let sit a bit for glue to set.
- Apply softex to head of fly.
- Pull back fibers taught over the head and roll rubber o-ring into place. This will help to keep hair in place.
- Dip head into softex just before to o-ring.
- If you have a rotating drier place on and let roll till dry. Otherwise, rotate by hand or with vise long enough to prevent sagging.
- Once dry, apply eyes and dip only to the ridge of the popper. If dipped too deep, softex may wick up the fibers and cause problems.
- Let dry and dip at least one more time.

If you wish, add a weed guard or a few wraps or red cactus chenille behinfd the head for gills...

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Presentation Tips: Top water slider style. Also, place on sinking line to get down to pike if needbe.