A twist on a Popovic Hollow Tied Bulkhead Beast Fly https://ift.tt/0QBm3DF

 

The hollow tie technique is an excellent method for giving the fly volume but can be adapted to imitate most baitfish profiles, and other prey items such as shrimp patterns etc.




Materials List:

Thread: Veniard Dyneema Thread LINK
Hook: 5/0 Ahrex SA210 Bob Clouser Signature Fly Hook LINK

Articulation: 2 x 35mm Partridge Predator Shanks LINK
Wire: Fox Rage 49 strand Wire LINK
Body: White, Yellow and Orange Veniard Bucktail LINK
Tail/Body Flash: Hedron Silver Holographic LINK
Tail/Body Flash: Hedron Pearl Polarflash LINK
Tail/Body Flash: Hedron Mirage Flashabou LINK
Tail/Body Flash: Hedron Ice Blue Flashabou LINK
Hackle: Whiting 4B Rooster saddle hackles white x 2 LINK
Glue: Zap-A-Gap LINK
Head: Finished with Glo Brite no:4 Floss LINK

View All LINK

I designed this fly for Pike on larger waters such as Lochs or Large Trout reservoirs using the hollow tie method but leaving the angle of the bucktail wider than the standard hollow tie technique to give the fly a wider profile when wet. The head of the fly is also clipped to leave a wider blunt head which also gives the fly a wider profile on the retrieve. The flash and bunches of bucktail have been gradually increased as you get closer to the head, and I have used Fox Rage Predator wire 49 strand in 65lb breaking strain for the joint between the hook and the shanks.




Bobs Popovics's patterns are very scalable, so you can adapt the design for large or smaller species, and as we get closer to trout fry feeding time you could find some inspiration for some roach and perch fry patterns. 
A detailed description of the technique can be found easily with a search on google or on youtube. The technique was originally developed for Striped Bass flies by the famous Salwater Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Legend Bob Popovics. I thoroughly recommend his books, if you are looking to tie saltwater and predator flies.  Both books are a superb guide to the art, skills, imitation and innovation from the author.


 Pop Fleyes: Bob Popovics's Approach to Saltwater Fly Design

Fleye Design: Techniques, Insights, Patterns by Bob Popovics.


Most of the materials for the flies he ties are easily available, but usually an alternative product can be easily substituted if you can't find the exact material. The patterns he ties are also open to experimentation with other materials, so there is a lot of opportunity to use your imagination, or use the materials you may already have without buying a lot of new materials.