In this step-by-step video Andre van Wyk, frequent cover star of The Mission (see issue 16’s goldfish pond, issue 29’s full frontal nudity bucktail orgy and issue 38’s flats bomb) , ties a โBeastโ fleye. It’s a baitfish/squid imitation invented by Bob Popovics, using his hollow fleye technique on a mono extension to create both length and profile for imitating extra large prey items. This technique is not exclusive for tying giant flies, and the mono extension has many applications in helping tyers get a little extra length out of even non primo bucktail, which is becoming increasingly more difficult to find worldwide. The hollow fleye technique allows for the bucktail to swim with a lot of movement, and very little weight. The Beast is mainly used for targeting large saltwater species, but has applications across both fresh and saltwater.
These are the materials used to tie the Beast:
100lb Mono or 60lb Hard Flouro leader
Hook: Ahrex SA270 #5/0 https://upstreamflyfishing.co.za/products/ahrexsaltwaterhooks?variant=32422097387607
Thread: Semperfli Nano silk 50D https://www.xplorerflyfishing.co.za/product/semperfli-nano-silk-50d-12-0/
Hackle: Ewing White Hackle
Bucktail: White, Sand, Green Bucktail
Flash: Sybai saltwater angel hair https://mistpool.com/en/product/3162/sybai-saltwater-angel-hair.html
For more on Andre, check out his author profile, read his Bucknuts feature on bucktail obsessives or visit the links below.
Andre van Wyk: https://www.instagram.com/nepptuna
Lucky Bastards: http://themluckybastards.com
Bucktail Flies: https://www.bucktailflies.com
Dre,
Great video. Love that you were willing to share some of the small tricks that make these work. You advanced my own tying by years.
Hey Rob – thanks for the kind words man, glad the vid helped out some!
Very cool video. Thanks for the tips!