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Dec 13 2024

Fly Tying: Gotcha

This segment of Fly Tying is provided by Mossy’s Fly Shop, which has been serving Alaskans since 2010. If you’re traveling to Alaska for a Fly Fishing adventure and need fly fishing rods, reels, lines, tips, flies, hooks, boots, waders, etc., to complete your Alaskan Fly fishing adventure, see Mike and Brian at Mossy’s Fly Shop. Or if you have Questions? They have answers. Email mbrown@mossysflyshop.com or call (907) 770-2666. www.mossysflyshop.com.

A real underwater siren that entices the elusive silver ghosts of the flats, the Gotcha fly pattern is the standard charmer of the bonefishing capital, South Andros. The Gotcha fly, which is said to have been derived from Jim McVay’s creative imagination, was made from the remains of a taxi cab’s carpet in The Bahamas, demonstrating that sometimes the most unusual materials can produce works of art.

The Gotcha is a modest fly with a slim body frequently clad in pink or brown hues, a dash of flash, and a tail that waggles like a shrimp running for its life. Since bonefish are known for having discerning tastes, this ingenious design imitates the natural movement of shrimp.

What sets the Gotcha apart is its adaptability. Whether you’re stalking bonefish in shallow waters or casting into deeper depths, this fly performs like a seasoned thespian on stage, ready to play the role required. Its energy shines brightest during low-light conditions or overcast days when bonefish are likelier to venture out for a bite. When tying this fly, you should consider tying it in various sizes and weights to accommodate the changing tides and conditions.

With its simplicity and elegance, the Gotcha has become a staple in every bonefisher angler’s arsenal. It’s not just a fly; it’s a legend that has accounted for thousands of successful catches worldwide. You can also add some unique flair—like rubber legs or vibrant colors—to enhance its appeal, but at its core, the Gotcha remains a classic that continues to deliver results and is a guide favorite at Andros South Lodge. Here is our rendition of the Gotcha Fly.

Be happy, and tie a fly.

Tied By: Brian Davenport

Photos By: Mike Brown

Materials:

  • Hook: Daiichi 2546 Sz 4 (shown) or Mustad 34007 or Tiemco. Size variations: #2,#4, #6, #8.
  • Thread:  Veevus 6/0 Pink
  • Eyes: Bead Chain or Plated medium
  • Tail: Veevus Mini Flat Braid Pearl
  • Body: Veevus Mini Flat Braid Pearl (HT Braid, Diamond Braid, or Flat Diamond Braid)
  • Wing: Craft Fur Plus; Golden Tan.
  • Underwing: Veevus Mini Flat Braid Pearl
  • Wing: Tan Craft Fur

Step 1.  Start your thread and make a thread base for your bead chain eye.

Step 2.  Tie in your bead chain eyes appx 2 hook eye widths back of eye.  Use figure 8 wraps to secure the bead chain securely.

Step 3. Tie in your flat braid, make the tail appx a hook shank length.  Tie it forward to the back of the eyes.

Step 4.  Fold the braid over and tie it back to the start of the bend.  Trim to match the first tail.  Using a bodkin or brush, open and split the flat braid.

Step 5. Tie in another piece of the flat braid. 

Step 6. Using overlapping turns, wrap the flat braid forward, when you get to the eyes, figure 8 wrap around them and tie off in front of the eyes.

Step 7.  Turn the hook over in the vise.  Tie in a piece of flat braid.  Trim it off a little longer than the tail.

Step 8. Using a small clump of craft fur, tie in a wing that matches the length of the flat braid.  Trim off excess craft fur. 

Step 9. Secure craft fur and build a nice, tapered head.  Whip finish and glue.

Other Flies to Tie:

  • String Leech
  • Stu’s Tube Leech
  • Suskwa Poacher

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