Burla Boatman

[bulltrout]

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.

[bulltrout]

8. Holding the foam loosely, pull over the top of the body. With your other index finger, hold the foam in place and make a loose wrap around the foam. Pull down and toward the rear of the hook to create a nice humped shellback. Clip off the excess foam and form a small head. Whip finish and cement.

 

9. The finished Burla Boatman

[gravelman]

I tye a simmaliar one but i use a tungsten gold bead and find i get more strikes with it then with out.

[nwalker]

Hey Doc, was that the same boatman pattern you were using last spring at Nicholas Sheran?

[bulltrout]

Hey Doc, was that the same boatman pattern you were using last spring at Nicholas Sheran?

 

 

no...this one's different...same principles though...