Dr. Fish's Flyer

Over the years, I have been spending more and more time in the blue water in search of pelagics to bend a fly rod. While existing patterns have resulted in some success, I was looking for a better mousetrap. I began experimenting with several different designs and materials, and over successive trips, this fly has evolved into its present form.

The Dr. Fish's Flyer has proven itself time and time again as a real go-to fly when chasing tuna (including yellowfin, blackfin, skipjack and bluefin). It has been equally effective on other species such as billfish, wahoo and dolphin.

Setting the hook on a 70-pound yellowfin while the fish is 5 feet in the air never gets old!

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Materials

Hook: Signature C71SSS or C70SD, C68SZ, Ultra Point 32807BLN
Thread: Ultra Thread 140 in Purple (092)
Body Material: Silver Polar Flash, Opal/Light Blue Flashabou Mirage Blend
Outer Body Material: Pearl/Silver Wapsi Flexi-Cord Light in Large
Wings: Blue Montana Fly Works ShimmerSkin (can sub large saltwater hackle)
Eyes: 3/8" Dome Eyes

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Step 1: Place the hook in the vise and secure thread to the hook.
Step 2: Tie down the first layer of silver Polar Flash to the top of the hook.
Step 3: Tie down a second layer of silver Polar Flash (each layer should be an equal amount) to the underside of the hook.
Step 4: Tie down a layer on the left and right sides of the hook.
Step 5: Tie down one more layer of Polar Flash to the topside of the hook.
Step 6: Tie down a layer of Flashabou Mirage Blend on the top of the hook, whip finish and then apply a coating of thin head cement, which will wick into the underlying layers and help lock down the materials.
Step 7A: Take piece of Pearl/Silver Wapsi Flexi-Cord Light and start passing the fly into the tubing.
Step 7B: Pass the tubing over the fly and hook point, and remove the fly from the vise to allow the fly to be slid completely into the Flexi-Cord Light. The depth in which you slide the fly into the tubing depends on the size of the flyer you are looking to tie. Typically I slide the fly into the tubing until around 2 ½ to 3 inches of the Polar Flash and Mirage Blend are sticking out of the tubing.
Step 7C: Once you figure out how long you want the fly, pass the hook through the bottom of the Flexi-Cord Light so that there is enough tubing to allow for a full profile head.
Step 8: Secure the Flexi-Cord Light just behind the eye of the hook. In order to do so without putting a fold or crease in the tubing, make 3 loose wraps and then slowly pull tight. Then make several wraps, whip finish and trim the excess tubing. Apply some thin head cement to help secure the materials.
Step 9A: With the fly in the vise, figure out where you want the tail to start and pinch that spot with your thumb and forefinger. Be sure the tubing is not pulled too tightly, as you want a nice, full body. Then while securely pinching the tail area, remove the fly from the vise and begin making wraps to form the tail section.
Step 9B: Apply a ring of Loon's UV Knot Sense (can sub Super Glue or fast trying head cement) around the base of the tail.