This Wooton fly behaves so well you can take it anywhere
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen Steve showed me Davy Wooton’s Shad Fly and explained how it’s tied, I cringed. Way too complicated for me, I said. S–t, it took you 5-minutes to explain the two steps required! “But It’s the only way you can be assured you’re going to get a bass hit anywhere in the water; shoreline, deep, structure or just popped off the pads.” Nah, they’re ‘wormers,’ I’ll use my worms, I said. Steve piped in: “Always a good idea, but it will not work as effectively as this Wooton thing – been there done that buddy.” Adding, “Plus, you’ll be surprised what else likes this shad thing.”
We made a date to hit our spots
I don’t like to get outfished 5-1, but not for some testosterone reason. No – it’s far more spiritual to catch than to just “fish.” I was going to have to tackle complicated with this Wooton fly and suffer or enjoy a spiritual enlightenment.
Okay, just what is the Wooton “thang” anyway?
Steve’s tying room is bedroom size and was a bedroom before being squatted. He’s a neat-freak horder – a rare disorder. But Steve is high-functioning and not seeking help. He also knows where everything is – if you don’t move anything.
NOTE: Featured Image is Davy Wooton (R) and long time friend, Kelly Galloup at Dally’s Ozark Fly Fishers annual Streamer Love Fest in Cotter, Arkansas (2015). Photo courtesy of TBird.
A Davy Wooton Shad Fly – Part I and Part II
By The Book:
Hook: Pencil popper hooks – 2/0, 1, 2, 4
Thread: 006 monofilament
Lead wire: .25 or .30 or (unweighted to stay on the surface)
Inner body: Wing-n-flash / dubbed around the shank
Outer body: Flexi – cord ¼ any color you desire. Pearl and pearl silver are the popular ones.
Gills: Dave Whitlock SLF minnow gill
Eyes: 5/16”, 1/4 “
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