Fly of the Month: Shipmans Buzzer

Video Description:

Follow the step-by-step guide with TFF Editor Steve Cullen and tie the Shipmans Buzzer.

This great little dry-come-damp pattern is a fly that will, quite often, outperform more conventional hackled patterns due to its low-lying make up. Dave Shipman, the originator, came up with it so that he could fool some of the large, surface-feeding trout of Rutland Water. The pattern has been designed so that it sits right in the surface film, just like a hatching, or trapped, midge.

The clever use of the white Antron as breathers at the either end keeps the pattern high floating, the greater surface area and the light-wire hook means that it’s very light indeed. The body is, originally, seals-fur dubbing but coloured Antron can also be used to give it even more floatability. This can be teased out with a dubbing needle or Velcro to give it that that rough-and-ready look.

The fly is treated with floatant before fishing commences and this means it floats for a very long time and only a few false casts are needed to shed any water.