Melt Glue Zonker or Virtual Minnow streamer

The original zonker pattern was tied by the American fly tyer Dan Byford in the 1970s and was quickly recognised the world over, as a big fish fly and extremely easy to tie, yet realistic imitation for most smaller bait fish. The original pattern used a lead or tin sheet that was folded and glued over the hook shank and then cut to shape to make the underbody.   This melt glue body technique gives the zonker a new life. If viewed by a fish in reflected light the shine and flashing of the maylar mixed with the animation of the pulsating fur strip, makes it a first class bait fish attractor pattern.  But when viewed by a fish in a back-lit situation ( in  silhouette ) this pattern really comes to life,  with the light penetrating through the transparent melt glue / maylar body and fur guard hairs.

Virtual Minnow streamer recipe

Hook: Mustad S74S SS Salt water R74 freshwater # 6 
Under body: Melt glue
Over Body: Mylar tubeing
Thread: Dyneema
Wing/tail: Fur zonker strip
Eyes: Prizma tape eyes.

This is another great baitfish imitation in both reflected and backlight situations.
This is another great baitfish imitation in both reflected and backlight situations.

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