Oz’s Live Bait Sandeel by Lee Hooper

This is my favourite Bass fly pattern, but the original materials are impossible to get now – so here is my updated version using Sybai Pike Flash

Hook: Grip 21711 NSL BL #2

Head: White Thread

Body: 8 strands of Pearl Olive Pike flash over 8 strands of pearl Sybai Pike flash

Eyes: Sybai 3D Eyes Gold 3mm.

As with many flies – less is more.  Tie on your thread and run half way down the hook shank in touching turns.  Then catch in the middle of the pearl Pike Flash making sure it sits on the hook shank, run the thread back to the eye and fold the material back.  Run your thread back to the place you started and add the Olive Pearl material in the same way.  Once the Pike Flash material has been tied in slightly build up the head and whip finish behind the eye, remember not build it up too much.  Glue the eyes on towards the back of the thread head.  Secure with UV varnish and finish with UV or several layers of varnish, but keep that skinny profile.