Barracuda Tube Fly

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.

Tail attached, thread base on the tube. Photo: Matt Hynes — Body tied in, thread base on the tube. Photo: Matt Hynes

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.

Just a little more detail. Photo: Matt Hynes

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.

Tube Fly for Barracuda