Description
Fly Type: This is a specialized subsurface stillwater fly, specifically a Booby Fly. Its defining features are the buoyant foam "eyes" at the head and a mobile marabou or similar soft hackle tail. The foam eyes cause the fly to float or suspend in the water, even when fished on a sinking line, creating an enticing vertical presentation. The black color suggests a variety of dark aquatic creatures or a silhouette against the light.
Best Suited For: The Booby Fly is exceptionally effective for catching trout (especially rainbow and brown trout) in stillwaters. It's often used when fish are deep, or when you need to present a fly slowly near the bottom without it snagging.
Best Time to Fish: This fly is effective year-round, but particularly strong during cooler months (spring, autumn, winter) when fish are deeper, or in the early mornings and late evenings during warmer months. It's especially good on windy days when wave action adds movement to the fly.
Water Type: This is predominantly a freshwater fly, almost exclusively used in stillwaters.
Where to Fish: The Booby Fly excels in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It's typically fished on a fast-sinking line (DI-3, DI-5, DI-7) with a short leader. The sinking line pulls the foam eyes down, causing the fly to "hover" just above the bottom or structure, or even rise slowly on the retrieve. Cast it out, let it sink, and retrieve with a slow figure-of-eight or long, slow pulls. It's very effective over weed beds, drop-offs, and deep humps.
Other Value: The Booby Fly's unique buoyancy and movement make it highly attractive to curious or predatory fish. The black color creates a strong silhouette against the sky, making it visible to fish from below.