The Magic Fly - EP Sparkle Zonker

Recipe
Hook: - Daiichi 2220 #4, or any 3XL hook, #2-10
Thread - Danville Flat Waxed Nylon, white
Bead - large lead bead, nickel
Tail/Wing - rabbit zonker strip, white
Body - EP Sparkle, magic pearl
Gill - EP Sparkle, red
Head - EP Sparkle, magic pearl
Tying directions:
1 - Slide bead over hook, start thread, and wind to hook barb.

2 - Split rabbit strip by moistening with saliva. Tail should be length of hook gape. Secure tail with 3 turns.

3 - Wind thread in front of tail, and dub a magic pearl colored EP Sparkle body loosely. Wind forward to 2 eye lengths behind eye.

4 - Dub a second time and wind backwards toward tail, increasing body size.

5 - Dub a third time and wind forwards again to 2 eye lengths behind the eye. Notice the heft of the body.

6 - Dub the gill area with red EP Sparkle. Make sure to dub on top of each wrap to build bulk.

7 - Slide the bead back, hold in place, and pull the thread over the TOP of the bead to the front, and secure. Make sure the thread is on top, as the rabbit strip will protect the thread from breaking.

8 - Pull the rabbit strip forwards and over the top of the bead. Moisten the rabbit again, and secure the strip just in front of the bead.

9 - Cut the rabbit strip, and dub a head with the magic pearl EP Sparkle. Whip finish twice, and hit with head cement.

Rich Farino ©2007
About the Author...Rich Farino is a fly fishing fanatic living in New York City. Rich works there part time for Urban Anglers, in addition to his regular job. Rich is also an avid photographer whose work we hope to publish here at FlyAnglers.org. Rich's work helping the GOTC raise funds for Casting for Recovery by finding and donating auction items is well known and widely appreciated. Another highlight on his resume, Rich was the 1st runner-up for the FlyAnglers.org 2006 Klutz Award.