Hammerhead

3.2 / 5

(0 Reviews)

Hammerhead image

Description

The Hammerhead, created by Ian Anderson in 2009, is a versatile fly designed to imitate various prey species such as sculpins, crawdads, and gobies, making it particularly effective for targeting carp in the Great Lakes region. Its unique design features a combination of glow-in-the-dark Mylar, rubber legs, and a rabbit zonker strip, providing both visibility and lifelike movement. The fly's weighted body ensures it sinks quickly to the bottom, where carp often feed, and its materials create a natural profile that entices strikes. Over the years, the Hammerhead has evolved, with variations tailored to different species and fishing conditions, solidifying its place as a go-to pattern for carp anglers.

Pro Tip

When fishing the Hammerhead, cast it near the bottom where carp are actively foraging. Use a slow and deliberate strip retrieve with occasional pauses to let the fly sink and imitate the subtle movements of a natural food source. Carp are often cautious, so a gentle, methodical presentation is essential. Pay attention to the carp's behavior and adjust your retrieve accordingly—if they seem spooked, slow down or let the fly rest longer in between strips to encourage an aggressive take

Reviews

3.2

5 Ratings

0 Reviews

Recipe

Hook: Mustad R74, size 4 – A strong, wide-gap hook that provides durability and ensures secure hook-ups, especially when targeting larger carp. Thread: UTC 210 Black – This strong thread holds materials in place while keeping the fly’s profile clean and streamlined. It also blends well with the dark body of the fly. Weight: .035 Lead-Free Wire – A weight wrapped around the hook shank, helping the fly sink quickly to the bottom where carp are often feeding. This ensures the fly maintains a realistic, natural presentation close to the substrate. Eyes: Extra Large Gold Bead Chain – Bead chain eyes create a subtle, lifelike balance and weight that allows the fly to sink slowly, adding a bit of movement as it hits the bottom. The gold color enhances visibility, particularly in murky water. Tail: Spirit River Glow-in-the-dark Mylar (Fluorescent Green and Fluorescent Yellow) – These materials give the fly visibility in low light conditions and add a flash that carp can easily track. The fluorescent hues mimic the vibrant colors of small baitfish or prey items. Tail (cont’d): Pumpkin Sili Legs – These rubber legs add lifelike movement to the tail, which wiggles with any current or strip, further enticing carp to strike. Rear Body: Dark yarn – The yarn forms a sleek, textured body that simulates the elongated body of prey like sculpins or crayfish. It’s durable and holds up well against rough conditions. Front Body: Crawdad Orange Magnum Cut Rabbit Zonker Strip (1/4” wide) – The rabbit strip adds the key movement to the fly. As it moves through the water, the zonker strip imitates the undulating motion of a swimming crawdad or small fish. The bright orange color attracts attention and mimics the typical colors of prey carp are known to target.