Old tarpon patterns

[lemaymiami]

Over the years there have been many tarpon patterns used by folks hunting the big fish. Some are only of interest to one small region or situation, others have a wide appeal. As the tarpon in our part of the world grow more and more sophisticated (what I should have said is that the tarpon are under more and more pressure...) new patterns become state secrets and very little exchange of information occurs. Here are two old patterns that I rarely get a call for anymore, but I did enjoy tying up a dozen of each... The first is a variation of the old Stu Apte tarpon fly that's still an absolute classic, the second is the old Chinese Claw. Both have been done "big-eye" style, with a large head, large painted eye, and the shank left bare for snelling (if anyone still snells their tarpon flies)... Each is done up on an Owner Aki 3/0. The past photo shows the two dozen ready for packaging...

[msiler]

Capt. Bob,
You tie some gorgeous flies! Do you think you could possibly do a "how to" on how you prepare and paint eyes on your flies?

They are stunning and I have never been able to accurately copy a nice painted eye...

Thank in advance,
-Matt-

[Pucho]

I still use both patterns and love them, the stu apte I made a variation using a brown head and is a kiler fly at night, the chinese claw I use in murky water.
Pucho