The Siliclone Mullet is one in a series of flies invented by a local New Jersey fly innovator named Bob Popovics. I like the look and action of his flies, and they are designed to imitate the baitfish we have in this area, but I can't see why they wouldn't work just about anywhere.

• Hook: Mustad 34007 or equivalent.
• Tail Guard: 20# or 30# monofilament
• Wing: Bucktail and 4 to 6 Saddle hackles in the color of your choice
• Head: The Pattern calls for spun wool to match the saddles, but I didn't have any the first time I tried this pattern so I used 2 saddles wrapped dry fly style ( and still do ).
• Eyes: 3mm Prismatic Stick-on types
• You also need clear silcone and silver glitter.

1. Place the hook in the vise and attach the tying thread.
2. Tie in a tail guard as explained in the Tips section of the Fly Tying Page.
3. At the front of the tail guard, tie in a small clump of unstacked Bucktail.
4. Throw in a few half-hitches to lock it down.
5. Tie in the Saddles, Deceiver style.
6. Tie in the two saddles for the hackle and wrap them
7. Here's the tricky part: Using a popsicle stick, smear a thin coat of silcone from the eye backwards so that in forms a large bullet head, but leave enough space so the tips of the rear hackle form a fringed collar. Work all around the fly.
8. While the silicone is still wet, lightly sprinkle the head with glitter and apply the eyes
9. Set this one aside and tie another to this point.
10. By this time, the coat of silicone on the first one should be dry enough to apply a second coat, which will seal the glitter and eyes in place.

If you follow this pattern exactly, you'll continue making flies forever and never have time to use them, so don't lose your head. Know your limit, stop when you think you have enough, and remember, if you choose to tie... please tie responsibly.