Bend Back Fly

November 2010

 

All Purpose Work Horse




Bendback Minnow: The concept of tying flies on bend-back hooks was pioneered by Chico Fernandez some time ago. The concept is to create a more weedless pattern by having the hook point ride up as opposed to the normal down. Since most Redfish live in as weedy habitat environment this concept works just great for backcountry or grass. These are baitfish imitations that can go in the thickest of cover.


 
Tied by Capt Matt Wirt

 

















Tying the Bendback Fly

  • 1
     

    Using your pliers, make a slight bend at the top of the hook to create a platform to tie in your body material. You may find a few smaller circle hooks that have a natural bend; however, I have always relied on this method.

  • 2
     

    Tie on and tie in your body material along the length of the hook shank. Wind the body material back to where the bend of the hook starts to turn the shank. Once you get there, wind the body material back to the tie in point and tie off.

  • 3
     

    Choose your lighter colored buck tail under wing and tie into place on the flat platform you created with the pliers. Make sure before tying in your materials to clean out the under hair from the buck tail. Note: If the wing lies flat along the hook shank take a few turns around the backside of the buck tail to make it lift from the shank.

  • 4
     

    Tie in your darker shaded buck tail wing and build the head to a nice conical shape.



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    Fly of the Month
     
    Long Bay Fly Fishing Association Home Page 


     
    This Bend Back Fly is tied by Capt. Matt Wirt.
    Ingredient list:
    Hook: Mustad 3407 DT #2 to 1/0 (shank bent slightly)
    Body: White Slinky Fiber, Gray Polar Fiber, Silver Flash & Peacock Hearl
    Eyes: Paint or attach stick on eyes if you like and add a second coat of cement
     
     

    The bend back is a deadly effective fly in waters that contain a lot of structural hazards such as oysters, grass, and overhangs. The method of tying the fly protects the hook from unwanted snags. The bend back should be tied to mimic local baitfish and the shank should be covered to mimic the baits belly. The bendback is a slightly more advanced form of the Clouser Minnow but is still an easy pattern to tie for the beginning tier.