The Bat Fly

[4weightfanatic]

Inspired by the success of lures such as The Bat,The Soft Shelled Cicadas and the Siglets it was only natural that I would tie a fly based on these cicada imitations. The Cicadas have been slow off the mark this year (& last) and with a sensational start to the bass season with surface strikes a plenty way back last September promising a huge season when the weather warmed up. In reality though the weather actually went backwards for a couple of months even though surface strikes were still being had a lack of insect activity didn't help but this last week it looks like things are changing. As long as the rain holds off and the temp. keeps climbing things are on the up. This fly shouldn't be restricted to just bass either bream in the upper reaches and estuary perch should also take it down south while up north jungle perch,sooties,barra and tarpon should also give it a knudge. Here's the step by step instructions and the materials used. Hook #2 gamakatsu B10S,a small strip of lead solder to make it hang bum down to improve hookups,thread black flat waxed nylon,body black Alpaca dubbed straight to the thread (no wax),wings cut out of the packaging for a Kokoda Kingspin Spinnerbait,Head eva type foam,eyes glass beads,legs silicone legs from an Octo jig replacement skirt. Cheers Pat.

[4weightfanatic]

More..

[beechey]

this will be a wicked bass and bream lure for sure!!! good tie mate! let us know how you go!

[4weightfanatic]

Beechy you didn't let me get a chance to finish posting the pics - too quick:eek::mad:

[Rusty Hooks]

looks the goods 4 weight. i once made a little surface fly out of a foam ear plug and the inside strands of an ocky strap for legs. it got me a few bass but wasn't anywhere as pretty as yours. cant wait to read a report on how it goes.

[4weightfanatic]

Here's a couple of others I tied yesterday. I tied the small one first then thought it needs a bit more bulk for a better profile then I tied the second one a bit fatter and took a photo in the sink to see how thay sat. Cheers Pat.

[Rusty Hooks]

they look great too. love the wings.

[4weightfanatic]

Cheers mate the second one above with the red eyes has an inbuilt rattle too so cast it out and just twitch and jiggle the flyline while the Bat fly hopefully will be able to be walked hence why I've put the lead in the ass to help the plop plop type walk. Cheers Pat.

[beechey]

lol man the finished product is insane!! i thought the first pics were sweet it looks just like a cada!! good work again mate!

[4weightfanatic]

Cheers mate I was trying to post as quick as possible knowing that someone may comment before finishing:D 5 pics per post is just not enough on KFDU you can post at least 14 good for long trip reports too !! Cheers Pat.

[mitchmcm]

that would be fairly hard to cast wouldnt it pat :rolleyes:

[keep_itsimple]

Let me know if u want to sell any flies

[4weightfanatic]

that would be fairly hard to cast wouldnt it pat :rolleyes:

I certainly wouldn't be trying it on the #4 but as mentioned most of my bass on fly fishing is close range and a test yesterday and this morning confirmed it casts alright you just got to make sure you slow it down before your forward cast to ensure it unrolls properly. No different to a cup faced popper or a large Clouser. Anyway back to the drawing board/vise as the wings break off to easily but its swimming action is good so I think the heavy vinyl idea is next. Pat.