Fly Tying Tarpon Toad
The tarpon toad was originally developed by Gary Merriman. Since then it has been tied in many variations. It is a very effective fly for the silver king and a variety of other species.
It is hard to find another pattern that moves as well as this one in the water.
Materials:
- Hook- Gamakatsu SC15 size 1/0
- Thread- Chartreuse Flat Waxed Nylon
- Eyes- Medium black bead chain
- Tail- Chartreuse Marabou/ Chartreuse Cross-cut Rabbit
- Body-Green EP Tarantula Brush
Step 1– Begin the thread wraps just behind the hook eye.
Step 2– Tie in the bead chain eyes and continue the thread wraps to the bend of the hook.
Step 3– Tie in the marabou tail using a nice single feather.
Step 4– Tie in a strip of the crosscut rabbit making sure the fur is pointing towards the rear of the hook.
Step 5– Palmer the rabbit strip forward making two nice wraps; secure the rabbit strip and trim off excess.
Step 6– Tie in the tarantula brush.
Step 7– Palmer the tarantula brush forward making nice even wraps, tie off the brush right behind the bead chain eyes and trim off the excess.
Step 8– advance the thread in front of the bead chain eyes and build an even thread head, whip finish and cement.
Step 9– trim the tarantula brush body to desired shape.
For central Florida residents, this fly and all materials can be purchased at Harry Goode’s Outdoor Shop located at 1231 East New Haven Ave., Melbourne, Fl. For those of you who do not live in the area just give them a call at 321-723-4751 to order the materials needed to tie this pattern.
Harry Goode’s is Brevard County’s premier outdoor outfitter. To book your inshore adventure on the Indian River Lagoon contact Capt. Rick Worman at 321-525-3893 or [email protected].
