I think it was about 1992-93. I received the original DT Special (I might add well used) from Capt. Matt Hoover of Naples. We had been talking about fly fishing for snook in the surf and he told me the DT would be the only fly I’d ever need. He was right. I actually “redesigned” the pattern. My fly-tying mentor, the late George Rose, always told me that there are no new flies. “They’re variations on a similar theme,” he’d say. I think he was right. Even though the surf is fairly shallow where I fish (Sarasota to Boca Grande), I believe a fly must get down quickly to the eye level of the snook. So, with that in mind, I decided to tie four neck hackles facing, rather than splaying them as per the original. The fly gets down just a little quicker. I also built up the head of the fly and added 3D Prism Eyes. I’m a big believer in eyes on a fly.
This is the sixth installment of Snook Flies. To read the rest of the interview, and for the complete step-by-step instructions for tying this snook fly and 7 more, download your copy of Snook Flies at www.saltyflytying.com.
165 page downloadable pdf. is illustrated with ultra-hi resolution step-by-step instructions, click the link, or icon to download your copy today. $14.99 The paperback version should be available just in time for Christmas. Detailed instructions for tying Joe Mahler’s Straw Boss, Dave Johnson’s Petticoat Streamer, Pete Squibb’s Dirty Squibbster, Drei Stroman’s Crystal D, Bill Baldus’s Neon Knight, Nicholas Davis’s Lightsaber Pilchard, Steve Gibson’s DT Special variation, and my go to the Captiva Cannibal.
If you have questions or other topics in mind you would like explained, feel free to comment or send me an email.
Keep Your Wraps Tight & Feathers Straight!
-Drew