another peanut bunker

[Fly Aweigh]

Here is another peanut bunker pattern that has been very successful for me over the years.

Capt. Stan
http://evilendeavors.com/peanutbunker2.jpg

[striblue]

Really Nice..great profile and flash.

[Epoxytier]

amazing i dont think there is any bend inm the hook but just to make shure is ther? and is that decorator tape under the eye?

[Fly Aweigh]

Epoxy

Those are straight hooks, no bend. The flash under the eyes is Witchcraft precut adhesive mylar. One important point in using the mylar is to put a bead of Softex all the way around the gill plates and even a second bead after the first one dries.
This will keep them from flaring out like wings after several strikes and it will also keep the tail from tangeling in the hook. I put a bead around the perimiter of the eyes also, this will make them last much longer. try not to get any Softex on the pupil of the eye as it dries slightly cloudy.

Stan

[jo53mo]

Anytime i want to get rid of the dullness that softex has a coat of hard as nails makes it clear.

Joe

[jo53mo]

Fly Aweigh,
Are you using a high tie, and is the hook a 34007?

Joe

[Fly Aweigh]

Joe

There are two different hooks in the photos, Gamakatsu SC15 and Trey Combs Big Game.
I do use the high tie. I seperate the craft fur into three different lengths (by cutting a clump of craft fur and grabbing it by the base firmly with one hand qnd pulling out the longest hairs with the other hand, then pull out the next longest size and you are left with the shortest), then tie in the shortest fibers first at the tail, then the middle size fibers next and the longest as you get closer to the eye of the hook. It may take several clumps to get enough of each size craft fur, you have to play it by ear. After you apply the gill plates, take a pair of long scissors and make an angle cut from the tip of the tail to the under side of the gill plate, this will give you the bunker profile and it will keep it's shape as you swim it through the water. I then run a bead of Softex around the entire gill plate on both sides with a needle nose plastic squeeze bottle, this is very important!!

Stan

[striblue]

The Gill plates are a great way of making a perfect little imitation to compare to the real shine on the bunker not to mention the drop stomach... great!

[jo53mo]

Captain, where can i get large silver gill plates? Pearl is the only color i can get in large. Silver only medium.
Thanks Joe

[tyguy]

Captain, where can i get large silver gill plates? Pearl is the only color i can get in large. Silver only medium.
Thanks Joe

Joe,
I have been using aluminum tape, which in real life is used for hvac ductwork. It can be found at home repair centers or a well-stocked hardware. It reflects nicely and adds a little weight to the fly as well. Once it is installed, I coat it with either epoxy, hard as nails, or a softex-like substitute I mix up.

Or, if you don't want the extra weight, go to the gift wrap section of your local Kmart (or equiv...) and pick up some silver mylar gift wrap, or even some mylar reflective ribbon, and cut it to size. Works great!

To get the stickyness needed to install the gill plates, the mylar can be adhered to a piece of double tack sheet, found in arts and craft stores to mount photos with. Just peel off one side of paper, adhere to the mylar, cut to size, peel off the other side of paper and install.

[ruge13]

I have about 3 feet of gill tape. Same stuff, just not cut to shape. Yuo are welcome to a strip if you want me to send it to you. I will probably never use it all and its cheap enough...pm me your address

[Fly Aweigh]

Joe, The Rod builders workshop has a large supply of several different shapes of gill plate material. The shop is located on Rte. 3A in kingston near exit 9 on Rte 3. I was in there yesterday and Smitty just got in a new shipment so the hangers are full.
Stan

[jo53mo]

I have about 3 feet of gill tape. Same stuff, just not cut to shape. Yuo are welcome to a strip if you want me to send it to you. I will probably never use it all and its cheap enough...pm me your address
Thanks for the offer Ruge, but i'm going to try to get the pre cut plates.
Joe

[PhilDKreal]

First of all,these are really great looking flies, but I have a question about how they swim.
Does the hook "straighten out" on retrieve? and does the bunker then look like it is facing down? Just curious, as I've never seen this kind of off-set tie before.

[mgustav]

How does that fly track in different currents?
Is there a predictable or unpredictable wooble to it?

[Fly Aweigh]

Phil, These flies swim horizontally just as they appear in the photo because of the drag created by the wing.

Gus, these flies don't really have a wobble action to them, they swim fairly straight unless you want to add a wobble by altering your retrieve.

Stan