Burla Boatman (Originated and Tied by Andrew Burla)
This is such a simple pattern and a deadly one at that. Personal favorite I use as a starting pattern on any given lake and the occasional river. Can be fished alone, in tandem with another boatman, or trailed behind a leech pattern. Fish with jerky 3-6 inch strips to imitate the natural. If you fish lakes, try this pattern and you won't be disappointed.
*Tying Note*
The pattern demonstrated below is tied to be fished just below the surface. If you want to add weight to the fly, only two or three turns of lead wire is required. However, when a circumstance dictates getting the fly deeper, I usually just crimp a small shot a few inches above the fly or else run a sink tip line.
Materials
Hook: TMC 2457
Thread: 8/0 Black
Trailers: Rainbow Krystal Flash
Shellback: Black Pipe Foam
Kickers: Black Stretch Floss
Air Bubble: Pearl Ice Dub
Body: Black Peacock Ice Dub
Tying Steps
1. Attach tying thread.
2. Loop a strand of Krystal Flash around the thread and tie down so there are two trailers. Trim to approx. 1/4" long.
3. Using a piece of pipe foam (used to insulate exposed pipes - can be found in any hardware store), cut a small strip about 1 1/2" long by 1/8 deep and taper it.
4. Tie in the tapered end.
5. Loosely dub a small amount of Pearl Ice Dub for the air bubble.
6. Tie in a 1" piece of stretch floss at the 2/3 shank point.
7. Dub a robust body and "X" the dubbing around the legs to keep them sticking straight out.