Like every pattern tied to catch barracuda, fly durability is a big factor and this fly delivers. Using synthetic materials this fly is not only imitative of one of the barracuda’s favorite prey, the needlefish, it is also remarkably life-like in its movement, resists tail fouling and will survive being eaten by more than one fish.  This pattern also casts surprisingly well for its size, especially if you tie it sparse.

Materials
Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 - size 3/0
Thread: Danville mono fine (.006) – clear
Throat: Krystal Flash - red
Body: Superhair – white, chartreuse and green   
Topping: Krystal Flash - peacock
Eyes: Holographic eyes 5/16” – silver
Adhesive: Gorilla super glue -gel, Loon Outdoors UV clear fly finish – thick and Hard-as Hull

Step 1. Insert the hook in the vise and attach the mono thread across from the point of the hook. Create a tie-in point with several thread wraps.

Step 2. Select out 20 strands of red Krystal Flash and using the ‘fold-over’ method tie them to the top rear 1/3 of the hook. This method will result in a throat with 40 strands of krystal flash.

Step 3. Trim the red Krystal Flash so it extends off the bend of the hook one hook gap length.

Step 4. Select out 40 strands of white Superhair and using the ‘fold-over’ method tie them to the top rear 1/3 of the hook; stack them on top of the krystal flash throat.

Step 5.Select out 40 strands of chartreuse Superhair and using the ‘fold-over’ method tie them to the top rear 1/3 of the hook; stack them on top of the white Superhair fibers.

Step 6. Select out 40 strands of green Superhair and using the ‘fold-over’ method tie them to the top rear 1/3 of the hook; stack them on top of the chartreuse Superhair fibers.

Step 7. Select out 20 strands of peacock Krystal Flash and tie them to the top rear 1/3 of the hook by the butt ends; stack them on top of the green Superhair fibers.

Step 8. Build up a nicely tapered thread head, whip finish and cut the mono off.

Step 9. Using taperizing scissors trim the tail fibers so that the overall length of the fly (hook eye to end of tail) does not exceed 5”. You want the tail fibers to be uneven and get progressively thinner towards the end of the tail. [In the photograph the fly has been removed from the vise so you can see the tail profile].

Step 10. Place a drop of super glue gel on both sides of the head and then situate the holographic eyes into the glue so they are symmetrical.

Step 11a. Once the glue holding the eyes has hardened, proceed to build up a UV clear fly finish head that fills the area between the eyes. You may need to apply several thinner layers, using the UV light to harden the material between applications, in order to get a well cured head.