The Captain

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History of the Pattern

The Captain, a.k.a. The Blue Gill Killer, is perhaps the best bluegill pattern we’ve ever fished, and is credited to Dr. Bill Lamberson of Columbia, MO.

Not only is it a proven panfish fly, but it has a reputation for attracting channel catfish, carp, and even some monster largemouth bass.

Spin fishermen have also found that when you attach it to a Colorado blade spinner/swivel, it becomes a reliable trout park lure.

The original pattern calls for an orange rubber legs for the tail, but we love to have them tied in green too.

Materials

  • Hook: Size 10 1X-Long, Nymph Hook (example: TMC 3671)

  • Bead: Gold 1/8”

  • Thread: Black (example: Uni 6/0, UTC 140D)

  • Legs: Round rubber - (Your choice color)

  • Body: Black Chenille - Medium

  • Hackle: Black rooster saddle

Tying Instructions

  • Mount the bead on the hook

  • Place the hook in the vise and start the thread behind the bead

  • Using two strands of the rubber legs, tie in directly behind the bead. Stretch the rubber material as you wrap over it toward the bend. Stop at a point on the shank directly above the barb of the hook. While stretching the rubber legs, clip the tail slightly longer than the shank of the hook. The legs should automatically splay as desired.

  • Tie in the chenille and advance the thread towards the bead, stopping directly behind the bead.

  • Wrap the chenille to directly behind the bead. Clip the excess chenille

  • Prepare and tie in a black hackle behind the bead. Make two to four wraps of hackle and tie it off. Clip the excess.

  • Whip-finish and apply a dab of head cement.