*by Conrad Botes

I have been spending quite a lot of time chasing dusky kob lately, especially in estuaries. This obviously also involves experimenting with different fly patterns.

Although there are a number of tried-and-tested patterns for kob, I preferred to develop patterns that had lots of movement, instead of ‘pushing water’, which is the primary trait with most kob flies. (For more info, check out the Dec 2013 issue of TCFF magazine for the article, ‘Three Flies for Kob’)

The Sponge Bob Slider is a pattern I started fishing this season, and is without a doubt my absolute favorite, not only because it is so versatile, but also because it’s proven itself as being extremely effective.  I have one Sponge Bob that have taken no less than seven fish this season, and believe me, that’s no mean feat for dusky kob on fly.

The Sponge Bob have taken fish on the surface (floating and intermediate lines) but has proven itself time and again sub-surface on an intermediate line (count down 5 to 10 seconds).  It dives down with every strip (slow single hand retrieve) and shoots up to the surface when the retrieve is paused. I intend to put it to the test in the surf where I think a shooting head sinker will get it in the zone.

It’s an easy pattern to tie, but I like hackles for bulk and the SF collar for a smooth transition between the foam head to body.