The Nipple Duster

D avid Reverdito is a well-rounded angler and skilled fly tyer who has travelled the globe. One of David’s favourite species is the longtail tuna, which he pursues from his home town of Brisbane.

Some years ago, Blane Chocklett released a new fly pattern to the world, called the Gummy Minnow. This soft, lifelike baitfish fly could be more accurately described as fashioned, rather than tied, and can be the very devil to put together. But the chewy nature of the main ingredient, Chocklett’s Sili Skin, meant that the fly could sometimes be more appealing than a Surf Candy. Who knew? So David sought a way to simplify the fabrication of this fly pattern.

The preferred hook is the Gamakatsu SL12S-Short in #2—1/0 or SL12S in #1/0–2/0. David likes to use clear monofilament thread to tie his flies for transparency, but I still like to use 3/0 Monocord. A two-tone wing is tied in at the head of the fly using H2O Flekta Fusion. You can use a topping colour to match your local baitfish but typically David uses grey, olive or tan over white to create the wing. The originals used DNA Holo Fusion, which is hard to get now.

Weight is added in the form of self-adhesive lead tape, typically used for tying Zonkers, which is pre-folded before removing the backing paper and pressed on to the hook shank from below, to imitate the belly sac and help keel the fly. The lead tape can be trimmed to shape using scissors.

Silver stick on eyes are added on each side, placed back from the hook eye a little, to allow room to finish the fly. More on this in a minute.

Measure the length of Sili Skin that you need and cut a piece to length before removing the backing. David likes the Sili Skin to extend just beyond the hook bend, which improves durability.

Now, this stuff is super sticky and is going to drive you mad. I have found the easiest way to deal with it is to use a clean bodkin to peel the backing off, and while it is face down on your desktop, position the hook and press it into place. David likes to moisten his fingertips to handle the Sili Skin — just enough to stop it sticking to his fingers without affecting adhesion.

Then, while holding the wing tight, fold the Sili Skin over and press down on the other side of the hook. You can do it in the vice as in the photo steps, but be careful not to make contact with the sticky side of that Sili Skin. Make sure the material is relaxed before you stick it in place. You need to ensure the body is straight and doesn’t bend or twist. Once it is firmly pressed together you can use sharp scissors to trim the Sili Skin into shape. You can cut around the hook shank with a sharp Stanley blade or scalpel.

Start your tying thread again and capture the very end of the Sili Skin to tie in place at the hook eye. This helps to create a nice taper and secures the Sili Skin in place.

The final step is to apply a light coat of Liquid Fusion and place in a rotisserie to cure for a few hours. I like to use clear Gorilla Glue instead. This glue provides a nice finish and retains the chewy nature of the Sili Skin. Avoid UV resins and epoxies, as they will not adhere and will stiffen the fly.

What’s with the whacky name? When David developed the fly he posted pictures on line, and this generated amusing banter, especially due to the plastic Sili Skin. A number of names were thrown around, and Nipple Duster was the one that stuck.

David typically fishes a G.Loomis NRX PRO-1 10-weight one-piece rod for tuna, with a Rio clear tip full intermediate fly line and 20–30lb Nomad Panderra Ultrahard Hybrid Leader, using a mix of fast double handed retrieve, or a slow jerky retrieve after letting the fly sink down a bit. It’s all about being observant of the baitfish on the day and matching the pace of the feeding activity.

This fly isn’t limited to tuna — any of our pelagics will be into them. So tie some up and give them a go.