Beaner's Perfect Poppers

Recipe
Hook:  Wapsi Supplied Hook
Body:  Wapsi Perfect Pencil Popper Body (Hard Foam)
Tail:  Marabou
Flash:  Wapsi Palmer Chenille
Color:  Sharpie and PrismaColor Permanent Markers
Top Coat:  Clear Sparkle Nail Enamel
Eyes:  3mm  Red Prism Eyes

Another "kit popper" from Wapsi.  Ward Bean really shows you how to effectively decorate these foam buggers with nail polish and markers in Fly Tyer Magazine.

We tied these up and really like them, but they are almost impossible to see in the water.  I'll need to add a bit of color to the top of the popper to make it easier to see on the river.  I have big hopes for this get up!

This is what they look like out of the package.  A few markers, feathers and nail polish and you're good to go.

Dick Gross - Crystal Falls Smallmouth

Dick landed this 4# pig on a Lake in Crystal Falls Michigan. I'll have to verify this, but I think Dick landed this toad with his old fiberglass Heddon Pal. I just got my Heddon Pal last week from Joe Cornwall....hopefully I get my 4 pounder soon.

Nail Polish Popper

Recipe

Hook: Mustad 33903 Kink Shanked Hook Size 2
Thread: White Flat Waxed Nylon
Head: Wapsi Perfect Popper Foam Popper Heads
Tail: Sili Legs, Marabou, Flashabou, Just About Anything...
Gill: Wapsi Palmer Chenille or Hackle
Eyes: Prismatic Eye
Color: Prismacolor Marker
Finish: Glitter Nail Polish (Walmart $2)

This is my version of Ward Beans Perfect Popper on Warmwater Fly Tyer. These poppers are fun to put together and they are very durable.  Ward uses the Mustad 3366, but I prefer the Mustad 33903 kink shank popper hook because of the longer length.

I had some trouble with the markers bleeding when I applied the nail polish, but decided the fish wouldn't care much and just rolled with the punches. I'm sure there is a way to get a perfect finish, but Like Ward says...the decorations on these poppers are more for the fisherman than the fish.

The Wapsi Perfect Poppers have a nice spooned out face that really raises a ruckus on the surface.  The foam accepts permanent marker very well making them easy to customize.

I flipped one of these poppers for hours, caught a dozen or so bass and it looks to be as good as new. The nail polish is very durable and the glitter gives the poppers a nice fishy look.

The Wet Mouse

Recipe
Hook: Daiichi 1550 (Size 8-12)
Thread: 6/0 Brown Uni
Body: Pheasant After Shaft Feathers
Collar: Pheasant Back Feather
Weight: None

Another pattern created using feathers from the lowly ring-neck pheasant. Jack Gartside created this pattern and while it can be frustrating working with delicate after shaft feathers it is a very effective pattern for everything from bluegills to bass and trout.

The after shaft feathers are very delicate, but have a magical swimming action in the water. I tie in the butts of the feathers and wrap back to the bend. I counter wrap with light mono to increase durability. Once the fly is together it is surprisingly rugged.