The Ska-opper is a simple, yet very effective Gurgler type fly. Below I have posted a video that features Scott Howell, the star of Skagit Master 2. In the 10 minute video Scott explains the origin of the fly, how they came up with the name and at the end it shows him putting it to task on the water. Originally developed as a Pac Northwest Steelhead fly. We at the shop have have been using it with great success on Smallmouth this entire summer. Because we are not dealing with the same current flows here in Delaware we have modified the body matl. and changed from spun deer hair to Estaz. This makes the fly much faster to tie and allows for color change of the body. The flies pictured have flash in the tail as well as rubber legs. I believe the rubber legs make a difference, as well as the flash, but this fly can be tied with only 3 materials; Marabou, Estaz, and Foam.
Spend a few minutes tying a few of these up and fish them, I will bet after the first strike you will be as addicted to Ska-opper fishing as we are, and yes for those of you wondering I am going to give these flies a shot over some trout as well as Stripers this fall.
Hook; TMC 8089, TMC 811S, or Mustad 3366
Tail; Marabou blood quill tied over a few strands of Krystal flash
Body; Estaz or Cactus chenille
Top; 2mm foam or 1/8" Evazote
For Smallmouth I seem to prefer the brown / root beer color combo, but have caught fish on white / pearl, yellow / yellow and black. A size 10 8089 (currently on back order) or a #2 3366 hook fit in well with the Smallmouth, but hook size can be adjusted accordingly.
As a added tip try hanging a small Nymph or Crayfish off of the bend of the Ska-opper. The popping will get their attention and when they see the dropper they may be more inclined to bite it. We call this the "Dinner Bell" set up.
Enjoy...
Spend a few minutes tying a few of these up and fish them, I will bet after the first strike you will be as addicted to Ska-opper fishing as we are, and yes for those of you wondering I am going to give these flies a shot over some trout as well as Stripers this fall.
Hook; TMC 8089, TMC 811S, or Mustad 3366
Tail; Marabou blood quill tied over a few strands of Krystal flash
Body; Estaz or Cactus chenille
Top; 2mm foam or 1/8" Evazote
For Smallmouth I seem to prefer the brown / root beer color combo, but have caught fish on white / pearl, yellow / yellow and black. A size 10 8089 (currently on back order) or a #2 3366 hook fit in well with the Smallmouth, but hook size can be adjusted accordingly.
As a added tip try hanging a small Nymph or Crayfish off of the bend of the Ska-opper. The popping will get their attention and when they see the dropper they may be more inclined to bite it. We call this the "Dinner Bell" set up.
Enjoy...
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