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Bonefish Scampi – Tying Instructions

How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Mmm Bonefish Scampi. Photos: Kyle Shea.

At Andros South, we generally subscribe to the ‘big fish like big flies’ theory. Just ask long time Andros South guide, Josie Sands, what he likes in a bonefish fly.. “More meat” is likely what you’ll hear.

So, today we’re coming at you with a step by step for a popular bonefish pattern of the ‘meaty’ variety designed by Henry Cowen, the Bonefish Scampi.

By utilizing a rabbit zonker strip, the Bonefish Scampi creates a large profile (which we really like) while offering great movement in the water as well. It’s also a great pattern to get creative with, as virtually every material can substituted for a different color. Keep reading for the step by step instructions of our favorite color combination for South Andros.

Bonefish Scampi – Tying Instructions

Materials:

  • Hook: Daiichi 2546 or Tiemco 811s – Sz. 2-4.
  • Thread: UTC 140 Denier – Fl. Fire Orange.
  • Eyes: Silver Mini Lead Eyes OR Medium Silver Bead Chain Eyes.
  • Tail: Medium Mylar Tubing – Pearl.
  • Body: Flat Diamond Braid – Pearl.
  • Wing: Rabbit Zonker Strip – Tan or Ginger.
  • Over Wing: Craft Fur – Cream.
  • Flash: Kyrstal Flash – Pearl.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 1: Secure thread and tie in eyes at the 1/3 position of the shank using figure eight wraps of thread. We used silver plated lead eyes here, but bead chain eyes can easily be substituted depending on the depth you’re fishing. Keep in mind that rabbit tends to take a little extra weight to sink.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 2: Catch in a length of pearl mylar tubing as a tail and advance thread back to just behind the eyes. Make sure to cover the shank in touching turns with thread. Pick out mylar to allow fibers to move freely as seen above.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 3: Catch in a length of pearl flat diamond braid just behind the eyes.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 4: Wrap the braid down the shank in touching turns (toward the hook point), BUT stop just shy of the tail. This leaves nice looking band of orange at the butt of the fly. Add a touch of super glue and reverse the braid, wrapping over the first layer all the way to the eyes. Cover the eyes with the flat using an ‘x’ pattern and tie off in front of eyes.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 5: Remove the fly from the vise and stick the hook point through the leather of a tan rabbit zonker strip as shown above. Insert the hook so that approximately a 1/4 inch of leather sticks out the back of the the fly as shown.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 6: Slide the zonker strip down the hook bend so that the leather lies flat against the shank of the hook as shown above. Pull the zonker strip tight enough that it lies flat and tie of at the head of the fly. Trim the excess.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 7: Catch in a small clump of cream craft fur as an over wing. For an added touch of class, try coloring some bars on the craft fur with permanent marker (not shown above).
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 8: Double over a single strand of pearl Krystal Flash and tie in a strand on each side of the craft fur wing extending slightly longer than the wing.
How to tie the Bonefish Scampi, a fly pattern for bonefish.
Step 9: Create clean tapered head, whip finish, cement, and give it a soak!

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