Video: How to Tie Koga’s Bonefish Shrimp

Tim Flagler writes: “This week my wife Joan and I heard of the passing of Peter Koga. Although we knew he was having some health issues, it nonetheless comes as a shock. I got to know Peter only about five years ago by tying next to him at fly fishing shows, and he was truly one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. Peter was gracious enough to let us film him tying a number of his signature patterns and this Koga’s Bonefish Shrimp was one of them. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, he will surely be missed.”

After decades as a trout and steelhead fly fisherman, California tier Peter Koga caught the bonefish bug, and years of trial-and-error produced his signature flats fly, Koga’s Bonefish Shrimp. In this video from Tightline Productions, Tim Flagler films Koga at the vise, walking us through the tying steps to create this lifelike pattern. While the finished fly looks complicated, the steps to create it are not, so give it a try.

          Koga’s Bonefish Shrimp
          Hook: Gamakatsu SL11-3H, sizes 6-8.
          Thread 1: Tan, 6/0 or 140-denier.
          Eyes: Gold bead chain, medium.
          Thread 2: Pink, 8/0 or 70-denier.
          Head: Early Girl McFly Foam.
          Legs: Tan Loco Legs.
          Eyes: Black Mono Eyes.
          Antennae: Barred Clear Senyo’s Barred Predator Wrap.
          Body: Pearl Flat Diamond Braid.
          Carapace/Abdomen:  Natural Coyote Premium Wing Fur.
          Overwing: Arctic fox black-tipped guard hairs.
          Flash:  Bonefish Tan Krystal Flash.
          Adhesive:  UV-cure resin.
          Tools : Needle-nose pliers, nail clippers.