The Backcountry Special is what I like to call one of those Swiss Army Knife-type of patterns that I always seem to rely on. I started tying this fly up for a trip to fish some of Florida’s back country mangrove thickets for snook, redfish, and tarpon but quickly learned that almost everything likes to eat this fly. Not only does it work in the southern salt flats, but plenty of freshwater species like to snack on this fly as well. I have found it to be quite productive on everything from smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass especially when fishing in the weeds or thick brushy cover. This also makes it a worthy consideration in the box when you want something to swing through that dark ominous looking log jam on your favorite trout stream where those big browns like to reside. Sometimes the most productive flies are ones that look like several different food items, depending on the environment, and this is where the Backcountry Special comes in handy. Next time you’re at the tying bench, tie some of these up and fish them on your next outing whether it be in the low country or on your favorite local farm pond.
Hook: Gamakatsu SC15 2/0
Thread: UTC Ultra Thread 210 Black
Eyes: Medium Black Bead Chain (1/8)
Tail: Brown Mottled Marabou
Body: Rootbeer Medium Palmer Chenille, Blend of Extra Select Brown Craft Fur and Brown Icelandic Sheep Hair (Colors can vary with water clarity, conditions etc.)
Head: Black Deer Belly Hair Spun on hook shank and trimmed, weed guard is 40 lb mono tied in a loop (optional)