Greg Weisgerber is an avid fly fisherman and fly tyer. Hailing from Oregon he is the owner and mind behind GW'S Fly Fishing Innovations which specializes in innovative fly patterns and products for fresh and saltwater. In general, big fish eat big prey which means that broad profiled baitfish are high on the menu for predators from Largemouth Bass to Sailfish. The scientific term for a broad profiled fish is fusiform, meaning wide in the middle and tapered at both ends. Many of the baitfish that predator fish prey on such as shad and herrings have fusiform bodies.
In general, big fish eat big prey which means that broad profiled baitfish are high on the menu for predators from Largemouth Bass to Sailfish. The scientific term for a broad profiled fish is fusiform, meaning wide in the middle and tapered at both ends. Many of the baitfish that predator fish prey on such as shad and herrings have fusiform bodies.
The dilemma for fly tiers has always been how to effectively imitate a baitfish with a thin fusiform body shape. To be most effective the fly should have both a wide profile underwater while still having enough action to attract and entice fish into striking. Flies tied with soft mobile materials like marabou and bucktail have tons of action in the water and are very broad when dry. However, when submerged these flies become slender and do not exhibit an accurate fusiform profile especially on larger imitations. Conversely, flies made with soft sheet rubbers and other firm materials produce flies with excellent fusiform profiles when submerged but the materials do not have the action of feathers and other soft materials which can be critical when trying to fool finicky fish.
My solution to this dilemma is the Broadside Minnow. Originally created around ten years ago to imitate threadfin shad and chubs in fresh water, I soon found the fly was a natural fit for the countless species of fusiform baitfish found in the salt. By merging a rubber coating with highly mobile feathers and a unique method of tying, the broadside minnow has an accurate and permanent fusiform shape underwater and enough action to entice highly selective fish. Along with action and shape the fly has a lifelike translucence, soft feeling and is incredibly durable. It can also be tied in many different sizes and color schemes to, “Match the minnow hatch”. The next time you go chasing the BIG ONE give the Broadside a try, you won’t be disappointed.
