Tying a BFCW Fly - Bynoe Flats Crustacean Wannabe

BFCW Fly - Bynoe Flats Crustacean Wannabe

The fly has it's origins in bonefish flies, particularly the Scampi and Squimp flies.
I use it on gravel patches and rock bars locally.

While I tie it mostly in natural colours, I also use white zonker versions and caught coral trout and other reef species with them from the reefs in Darwin harbour. I also had some two-tone magnum zonker, it was black with red tips that was awesome in it's results, while the  material lasted - can't find it anywhere!

Recently I saw a very good reaction to this fly in natural tones by several barramundi sitting on top of gravel patches to the fly. I suspect thinking the BFCW fly to be a crab or prawn imitation. One fish, followed it pausing when I did before tipping on the fly engulfing it - sadly it's gill rakers cut my leader. All in a meter of clear water - great visually to watch unfold.

So here is how I tie it.

Recipe
Hook:   medium length shank of choice, size for barramundi 2/0, for reef species 1-1/0
Rattle: optional - but when I use, I prefer glass rattles
    - tied on and epoxied in batches, prior to beginning to tie on other materials
Thread: white or tan usually chosen to match zonker colour
Carapace: natural rabbit zonker- if available the magnum size is great
Tail tuft: tan calf tail
Legs: orange rubber - the one I use are pumpkin coloured with flecks of sparkle
Eyes: glass beads on mono - red or black
Body: Mylar tubing size to suit (rattle or no rattle)
Feelers: Orange rubber
Head: pale pink calf tail


Method.......  

1. You can add in a glass rattle at this point as an option - I do this in batches. Tie on with thread the  epoxy, placing on dryer till set.
2. Cut zonker to size, 1.5 to 2 times hook length
3. Punch hole in zonker stripe - measure against hook shank to where hook bend will pass
4. Thread zonker over hook point leave loose for later and then place hook in vice
5. Apply bed of thread
6. Tie in tuft of calf tail, ensure spread around shank
7. Tie in rubber legs either side of hook shank at hook bend - 3 strands per side, varied lengths in pairs, hang a couple past zonker
8. Tie in eye stalks - ensure to flare the stalks, tie thread tightly up to calf tail, should flare stalks
9. Slide body tubing over hook shank (and rattle if used)
10. Tie off tubing with a few fibres hanging past, about 1/3 hook shank past
11. Re-tie in thread at hook eye,
12. Tie off top of body tube
13. Turn hook over and tie in dumbbell or bead chain eyes (weight depends on desired sink rate)
14. Fold over the zonker strip and tie off
15. Add in more rubber legs in an 'X' shape to either side of hook shank
16. Add tuft of calf tail
17. Tie off thread, apply a touch of glue to thread.
18. Tie ten more and go catch some fish. >--->>>>)'>