Shark & Cuda Patterns
Shark and Barracuda flies basically take on two different baitfish profiles; either that of a needlefish, long and slender or that of a almond shaped baitfish slightly longer that it is wide. Both profiles work for barracuda where as the needlefish profile is not so effective for sharks.
Pictured here is Lefty’s Shark/Cuda fly created by Lefty Kreh and an excellent example of the category. Color combinations of red and yellow are predominate for Shark flies where as chartreuse seems to be the color of choice for many barracuda patterns.
Tandem hooks are often present especially in the long and slender needlefish patterns as is the use of synthetic materials and Flashabou/Krystal Flash. Hook sizes and styles vary greatly based on body design and length.
Barracuda Fly (Orange Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC811S, Thread- Fluorescent Orange single strand nylon floss, Tail- Braided orange Z-lon 9" long wrapped at end leaving 1/2" frayed end- add drop of epoxy to secure, Head- Wrapped Fluorescent orange single strand nylon floss with epoxy overcoat, Eyes- Painted white with black pupils.
Big Fish Fly (Blue/Green Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC800s, Thread- White 3/0, Tail- White Streamer Hair 9" long, Underwing- White Streamer hair 6" long, Overwing- Lime green and sky blue streamer hair, Topping- Pearl, blue and rainbow Flashabou, Head- Wound white 3/0 thread with epoxy overcoat.
Cuda Scoota (Chartreuse Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- Gamakatsu SC15, Thread- Chartreuse single strand nylon floss, Tail- Chartreuse Streamer Hair 6" long, with pearl Flashabou and blue Krystal Flash center, Eyes- Fluorescent orange beads Head- Wound white 3/0 thread with epoxy overcoat including eyes. Pattern designer: Lenny Moffo
Needlefish (White/Blue Color Scheme) Pattern Recipe: Hook- TMC811S, Thread- White 3/0, Tail- White, green and olive Super Hair with pearl Krystal Flash 6" long, Eyes-97mm Gold/black prismatic, Head- Pearl Krystal Flash with epoxy to shape. Designer: Rob Thibeault