Bubblehead Popper

[Neal Osborn]

So I finally figured out how to make a bubblehead popper.  First off, I love this fly for Redfish and it is also good for topwater action in warm water just about anywhere.  The key is the hole at the top of the fly which connects to a hole in the front, thus creating a tube like hole for water to flow through when the fly is pulled.  This creates a bubble channel which in turn creates a sucking noise and also gives the fly a fleeing like pattern in the water.  It is a variation on the crease fly.

Check them out here http://www.bearsden.com/page744.html#4639

There is a video on this site http://www.uptownanglerstore.com/bubble-head-popper.html

I have been working at this fly for over a year without good results.  Then I went to the dermatologist the other day to have some skin cancer removed and there was the answer I was looking for – a punch biopsy tool!!!  I grabbed a size 3mm punch and have been playing around.  I think I got the technique down but now I need to get some holographic mylar sheets to make the nice sheen on the fly.  

I did not post detailed tying instructions but basically you make a crease fly and before the epoxy stage you punch a hole in the top of the fly.  Then I added hot glue to fill in the crevice but I placed a small coffee stir straw from the front and up through the hole.  When the glue hardened I removed the straw and the result is a nice through and through channel front front to top.  In the tub it works perfectly with a nice bubble path out the top.  

[Neal Osborn]

Examples of punch biopsy tools.  You can get them on ebay if interested.

By the way, these are great for punching tubes from closed cell foam for hopper patterns.  The larger size 6-8mm would be perfect for making Boobie eyes for the Boobie fly!

[Shannon Drawe]

So where do we find these tools? Or is a trip to the dermatologist required – and them leaving the room for a second so I can stuff my pockets with throwaway tools? Shannon

[Neal Osborn]

I saw them on ebay.

You can order them from here as well (but I won’t, too expensive) http://www.huotinstruments.com/dermaPunch.asp

I failed to mention this above but I am going to check in to this and post an update once I have the ordering figured out.  

Also, I suppose you could make a similar tool with car antennae or bullet shells but it is hard to get down to the 3mm size.

This is pretty niche stuff and I would not in any way recommend a beginner tier go spend money on these things.  I would classify this as “something you absolutely DON’T need”.  However, it is fun to have ;D

[Author]

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