Sandstrom Baitfish: A Variation

Garry Sandstrom is the creative mind behind some of the most productive flies an angler can use on Puget Sound.  His Sandstrom Baitfish is no exception.   This simple, unassuming pattern was originally tied on a long shank hook, a body of silver tinsel or diamond braid, and a wing of polar bear topped lime lame. 

Frankly, I am not a fan of long shank hooks for a few reason.  (1)  A long shank hook provides the fish more leverage to throw the hook.  (2) The wire diameter is typically double the thickness potentially causing harm to the fish, and (3) the hooks are a bugger to sharpen, or keep sharp.

I have simplified Garry's pattern...  The hook has been replaced with a short shank Gamakatsu SC15, a wing of arctic fox under fur, a topping of Krystal Flash, and instead of using red thread for the collar, replaced with Glimmer Thread.  Instead of a body of tinsel I have replaced this component with an under wing of a few strands of Spirit River Crystal Wraps material.  Lime thread?  It has been a long time since I have seen any.. so how about chartreuse?

Material:

Thread:  6/0 chartreuse
Hook:  Gamakatsu SC15 (size of choice)(pictured #6)
Underwing:  Crystal wrap strands
Wing: Arctic fox underfur
Wing topping:  Chartruese Krystal Flash
Collar:  Red Glimmer Thread

Step 1:

Start thread approximately one eye length behind the eye.  Wind towards the read of the hook approximately 15-wraps.  Ideally we will have a little bigger yet elongated head upon completion of using the chartreuse thread.

Step  2:

Pull one ultra violet and one silver strand from a strip of Crystal Wrap.  Tie in at the halfway point.  You should notice a distinct "V" shape in the strands- this is your tie in point.

Lock strands in place by folding material over the hook shank and securing with a few wraps of thread.

Step 3:

Cut a small portion of arctic fox from the tail.  remove all guard hairs and shorter under fur.  The length of the wing is a personal choice, but personally I like a length of 3 to 3 1/2 times the hook length.

Step 4:

Tie in two strands of chartreuse Krystal Flash and secure by bringing the material back over the wing and winding a few wraps.  At this point, the head should have a slight oval look.  Whip finish.

Step 5:

Once chartreuse thread whip finished and cut, apply Zap-A-Gap on the head.  Immediately take a few turns of Glimmer Thread for the collar.  Before you cut the Glimmer Thread, apply a small drop to the head.  Once tacky to dry, cut the Glimmer Thread.   Please note I didn't whip finish the Glimmer Thread.  It is a lot thicker than thread and whip finishing would have created a large hump.  Once Zap-A-Gap is completely dry add a couple of coats of head cement.  You're finished!

Enjoy!