Foam Bluegill Popper

Bluegill can be a ton of fun to catch on a fly rod, but they absolutely destroy flies, which is why I personally like to throw durable flies that are really quick to tie. This is one of them. This pattern is similar to a gurgler with its movement and sound in the water.

Materials: Fox tail, foam
Tools: Vise, bobbin, scissors, whip finish tool.

Step 1: Start a thread base.

Step 2: Tie in a pinch of fox tail.

Step 3: Trim tag end of fox tail, whip finish and clip the thread.

Step 4: Cut a strip of foam to desired width and poke a hole through the center.
              Slide the hook eye through the hole in the foam, and secure above the
              hook point.

Step 5: Wrap thread around hook shank, until the thread is 1/4"

              from where the foam was secured and secure 

              bottom sheet of foam .

Step 6: Wrap the thread until it is behind the hook eye. Secure both the 

              top and bottom pieces of foam behind the hook eye.

Step 7: Whip finish and cut the thread.

Step 8: Poke a hole in the bottom piece of foam and push the hook eye 

              through the hole so that both ends of the foam are on the top of 

              the hook shank.