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May 2002
by Rich Johnson
Fly of the Month: Spanko Sculpin
Notes: Sometimes a fly comes along that is so alluring that it will catch two fishermen at once. Such is the case with this month's pattern, originated by Orlando Gonzales, one of the club members that frequently ties at the Saturday clinics. Orlando shared the fly with me earlier this winter and I determined that it would be a great FOM pattern summer. However, Bob Fairchild, who organizes the clinics, also saw Orlando demonstrating this fly and decided to feature it in his Fly of the Month column in the May issue of the
FlyLines. Aside from Bob and I, the Spanko Sculpin is sure to hook a few more anglers this year. Here is my version of Orlando's creation.
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Hook: 3XL Streamer, ring eyed, size 2
Thread: Danville Plus, black
Weight: .030
Eyes: I-Balz, 1/4" Gold
Body: Dk. Olive or Brown
Rib: Oval tinsel, gold
Wing: Bunny strip, black
Pectoral Fins: optional; Broad dark feathers
Hackle: Marabou
Head: Sculpin yarn, black
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1) Put lead wraps on the rear half to 2/3 of the shank.
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2) After binding down the lead, attach your tinsel at the rear and then tie in your body material. (Orlando isn't too picky on this element; use chenille, yarn, or dubbing whatever's at hand.) Because I'm using a loose knitting yarn, I've chosen to attach it in front of my lead and double wrap the body.
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3) Wrap the body material and bring the rib forward. Tie off both and trim the excess.
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4) Tie in the bunny strip on top of the body. The strip should be no shorter than shown, and can extend up to a shank length behind the body if desired.
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5) Select a marabou feather that has fibers similar to the feather shown on the left. It's important that each fiber has some strength within it structure to create a flowing effect and not just clump together in the water.
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6) Tie in the marabou by its tip and wrap it as a collar over the body and wing wraps. (This is also where you would add pectoral fins, on either side, laying back against the body.)
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7) Come forward with your thread and build up two bumps, creating a trough for the eyes to sit into.
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8) Attach the I-Balz with cross and figure eight wraps on the bottom of the shank.
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9) Cut a short piece of sculpin yarn (similar to glo-bug yarn) and fold it over your thread. Bring it up tight against the bottom - back side, of the eyes.
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10) Repeat this process on the top - back side, top - front side, and bottom - front side of the eyes.
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11) Work your thread through the front pieces of yarn and using a half-hitch tool, place a couple of double hitches behind the eye. Whip finish and trim the thread.
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12) Using your scissors, or a stout bodkin, comb through the yarn to separate the fibers. Trim the head into a rounded sculpin shape. The head should be almost half the fly.
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The Spanko Sculpin is a very heavy fly. It was designed for fishing the Kenai River from a raft. As such, cast with care. Orlando suggests a 7wt at least and a stout leader with a heavy tippet for turn over when casting. And remember, bring extras, a fly like this is going to be eaten by a few rocks along the way.
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