If you’ve hung around our blog much, you know that lots of different flies work for barracuda on South Andros.
Today Matt Hynes walks us through tying instructions for a ‘cuda fly that comes from a slightly different angle – it’s tied on a tube.
Barracuda Tube Recipe
Hook
Stainless saltwater hook, size 2/0 to 4/0
Body
Insect green synthetic fibers – here I use flash ‘n slinky
Tube body
3” HMH large tube
Overbody
Devcon 5 minute epoxy
Gills
Red flash
Eyes
3-D epoxy eyes to match body size
Tying Instructions
Step 1: Body and Thread Base
Attach the tube to your vise and apply a thread base. Leave 1” in the front as a handle to spin the fly while the epoxy is drying. Also leave 3/8″ in the back so the junction tubing can be attached. Tie in a sparse clump of the body material, lashing it down along ¾ of the tube for a thicker profile.
Step 2: Gills and Eyes
Invert the tube and attach the red gills. Spin the tube and attach an eye at the back. Even though they have an adhesive backing, I use a small drop of superglue to ensure the eye does not slide around while the epoxy is being applied. It is worth the extra step, trust me.
Step 3: Epoxy
Mix the epoxy. If you don’t have a rotary vise, take the tube out via the front “handle”. Start applying the epoxy in a thin layer at the front, working back toward the eyes. Keep the fly rotating; the epoxy will drip. Try to fill in the gaps between the eyes on the top and bottom of the hook. I like to encase the eyes, letting the epoxy soak into the body and gills a little. This also helps prevent fouling. Remember to leave the tab in the back for the junction tubing.
Step 4: Attach the Hook
Slide your wire leader through the tube and attach the hook. Use a figure-8 knot for coated wire, a haywire twist for straight wire, or a clinch knot for Tyger wire. Slide the hook up into junction tubing.
Step 5: The Fun Part
Come on down to Andros South and step into the boat with Torrie, Josie, Charlie, Sparkles, Ellie, Freddie, or Norman. Prepare yourself for a good time and apply the fly to giant barracuda as needed.
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