Tying Bugs

Book excerpt: Bugs are back. Bugs—a generic name for poppers traditionally fished for bass species—encompass a range of diverse surface patterns that are not only effective for smallmouth and largemouth bass but also a host of saltwater species including redfish, sea trout, stripers, and dorado. More and more anglers now fish for smallmouth and largemouth bass around the US, and new materials have come on the scene that make tying these flies exciting (and productive) again. The most complete fly tying book on poppers, divers, sliders (collectively called “bugs”) ever written. Includes over 400 detailed step by steps for traditional patterns such as Lefty’s Bug and the Sneaky Pete, as well as new and innovative patterns tied with the latest materials. All facets of bug making are covered, from shaping the heads on cork, foam, and balsa, to tying articulated patterns, to creating weedguards. Also included is an extensive section on DIY painting and coloring techniques.