Help with Zonkers and Minkies

[fishyjames]

I am thinking about having a go at some zonkers and Minkies for trout, what is the best size hook for both, and what materials would I need to do them?

I found this --> » Tying The Zonker Fly Pattern - Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Information Resource <-- It looks great, but I'm not sure about it, whether or not it is for trout, due to the hook size.

Any Help appreciated

ATB

[flytire]

Originally Posted by fishyjames

I am thinking about having a go at some zonkers and Minkies for trout, what is the best size hook for both, and what materials would I need to do them?

I found this --> » Tying The Zonker Fly Pattern - Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Information Resource <-- It looks great, but I'm not sure about it, whether or not it is for trout, due to the hook size.

Any Help appreciated

ATB

zonkers are definitely for trout and i would use the hook size as described in the recipe

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=....,cf.osb&cad=b

click on the websites for more info

[fishyjames]

Originally Posted by flytire

zonkers are definitely for trout and i would use the hook size as described in the recipe

Google

click on the websites for more info

Thanks flytire, but your link just takes me to the google homepage

anyway, thanks for the clarification on the website

ATB

[flytier07]

Generally zonkers/minkies use size 6 or 8 hooks, but mini versions can go 10-12, pike versions are much bigger, but wouldn,t worry about them for now. Some recipes call for long shank hooks, some don,t, but I find long shank hooks work well to begin with.

[draycote flyer]

I tied this for draycote on thursday and they loved it
Had rainbows upto 5lb bars of silver with full tails.
Hook B830 size 8
Tail two strands of mirror flash
Body pearl green lite brite
Rib silver wire
throat red marabou
Tread 6/0 white uni
Under body of med lead wire


Cheers Craig

[fishyjames]

Thanks for the help everyone I will try and get the materials for the zonker that you tied Craig, it looks great Do you think I could tie it with lead, just to give it a little extra weight to help it sink a little?

Much appreciated

ATB

[draycote flyer]

Sorry mate just added the lead underbody

Cheers Craig

[fishyjames]

Originally Posted by draycote flyer

Sorry mate just added the lead underbody

Cheers Craig

Alright thanks Craig, really appreciate your help

One last thing is the zonker strip rabbit or mink, or does it not matter

[s fontinalis]

in my experience the bigger the lure/streamer/zonker the bigger the fish.

Some of the patterns i tie up are HUGE, over 4 inches long and the trouts love them
I used to think the big flies were not for me. Somehow they were too complicated to tie, but in reality they are just as easy if not easier than the small (size 10,12) flies that we use most commonly.
You dont have to start off with palmered zonker strips, but like the patterns shown previously, with the zonker strips tied in like a wing at the front and back of the fly.
One thing i will say is if you do try it, use strong thread like 3/0 or 140 denier. It will make your life MUCH easier

Have a gander - all these use zonker strips either tied in as tail or palmered to form a body

[fishyjames]

Thanks s fontinalis, those flies are awesome! I will have to have a look round and find some different patterns to tye, similar to yours, once I get the materials