Tying a Bonefish Junk Variant Saltwater Fishing Fly

This fly is from the creative genius of Mr Craven. As new materials and ever more creative brains are uncovered in the fly-tying world, progress is made. The chassis of this fly is the Gotcha, which is a pattern designed by Jim McVay in the back of a cab in the Bahamas using the yellow carpet fur for the wing. As recounted in “Bonefish Fly Patterns” by Mr Brown, the carpet was later replaced by craft fur. This fly has been a bellwether ever since. Another fun fact relayed by Mr McVay...the name was the result of Jim and his fishing pals yelling “Gotcha” so many times during a day of fishing. It has spawned many pattern variations from brilliant minds like Mr Craven who can masterfully introduce new materials and new design ideas to take something to the next level. So, if the original Gotcha is an F150, the Bonefish Junk is a Raptor. You choose.

Mr Hamilton’s variation (which he calls the Bonefish Junk "Light") steps back a bit in ways that result in a pattern that was easier (a la "light") to tie for him. Given that he’s spent a lifetime focused on the DIY flats angler, it makes sense that Mr Hamilton would look for ways to reduce tying steps. In any event, don't head to Bahamas without some Junk.

We show a few little twists like the bead technique from Mr Chouinard and a few new materials available from SemperFli, but this is still the same ‘ol Junk.

• Hook: Gama SL113H, sizes 2-8. https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=gama+sl113h
• Bead: Raven and Wolf inverting tungsten bead. https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=inverting
• Thread: UTC Thread 140D, Fl Orange or Fl Shell Pink. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-UTC140D.html
• Antennae: Rubber legs, like Raven and Wolf Insect Legs, Tan or Shrimp. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWILSTD.html
• Mouth Parts: SemperFli Mylar Cord (1.6mm) Small, Pearl. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFMCS.html
• Hot Spot: Cascade Crest Faux Fox, Orange. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-CCFFF.html
• Eyes: Raven and Wolf Mono Shrimp Eyes. Coming soon.
• Body: SEMPERFLI Flat Braid 1/16th (1.5mm), Pearl. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFBR.html
• Rubberlegs: Rubber legs, like Raven and Wolf Insect Legs, Tan or Shrimp. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-RWILSTD.html
• Under Wing: SemperFli Mylar Cord (1.6mm) Small, Pearl. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFMCS.html
• Over Wing: SemperFli SemperFur Grizzle Craft Fur, Tan. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFGRIZZ.html