Tying A Mylar Zonker Fly

The mylar zonker uses mylar tubing to create profile and flash but also has zonker on top of it for motion in the water. This fly can be tied weighted or unweighted depending on where you fish. Mylar tubing is a very difficult material to work with but it can produce some great flies so it's worth learning to work with. 

Materials needed:
1. Zonker strip
2. Mylar tubing
3. Streamer hook
4. Thread
5. Lead wire (optional)

Step 1. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the the hook to help add durability. You also can wrap some wire around the middle of the hook of you want to add some weight.

Step 2. Push your mylar tubing to the back of the hook and start your thread above it. The mylar tubing is super slippery against the hook so secure it as tightly as you can. It is useful to use gsp thread for this reason.

Step 3. Tie in your zonker strip and whip finish. I usually will also apply some head cement over the exposed thread.

Step 4. Start your thread again behind the hook eye and on top of the mylar tubing.
Step 5. Rub the mylar tubing hanging off in front of your hook between your fingers. This breaks down the weave of the material. After that you can tie the pieces so that they face backwards.

Step 6. Tie in your zonker strip and whip finish. I always add head cement over the exposed thread to increase the durability of this fly.

I love this fly because while it does take a ton of effort to tie the result is well worth it. Whether weighted or unweighted this is a great fly to have in your box especially if you fish for bass or crappie. I recommend fishing this fly by stripping it at any speed. This fly works almost wherever you fish because the profile of it works in a very wide range of conditions.

If you liked this post please check our some of my other blog posts.
Location: Kennesaw, GA, USA

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