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How To Tie: EP Baitfish

Difficulty: difficult

75% difficulty

Time: 15-20 minutes

69% timely

Cost: average

average cost
About these metrics

Imitates: glass minnow/fry/small baitfish, pilchard/whitebait/medium baitfish, mullet/large baitfish

Target species: tarpon, snook, redfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, peacock bass, false albacore, blackfin tuna, dolphin (mahi), mackerel, barracuda, seatrout, sailfish, giant trevally, jack crevalle, bluefish, striped bass

Where to fish: flats, backcountry, intracoastal/inland bays and waterways, warmwater lakes/ponds/rivers/canals, bluewater/offshore, surf

Notes: Colors and size of this fly can be modified to match the prey of any fish that eats smaller fish

Save 10% on materials with the kit:

EP 3D Baitfish Kit
#2/0 Black/Purple
$36.02 1 in stock
Baitfish Olive
EP 3D Baitfish Kit
#2/0 Baitfish Olive
$36.02 1 in stock
EP Ultimate baitfish
EP 3D Baitfish Kit
#2/0 Ultimate Baitfish Color Pack
$81.29 2 in stock

About the fly:

The Ep baitfish pattern is a staple in the fly fishing world and that’s for a good reason. Baitfish are a prominent food source for the majority of the world’s gamefish. This fly’s profile and movement scream “I’m a baitfish!”.

In the video above you’ll learn the basic “fiber fold-over” technique which is the groundwork for creating the profile you’re looking for with the EP Fibers. Remember to be sparse with the fibers! They bulk up quickly but it’s important to keep the bulk to minimum. These flies work best when they’re slightly translucent and sparse enough to shed water and move freely.

Helpful tools/additional materials:

Straightening and cleaning out fibers, blending flash:
For trimming with precision:
To brush out fibers:
For glueing on eyes:

Recommended ties:

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How To Tie: SF Bendback Baitfish

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How to tie the Sheep Mullet

How to Tie: The Sheep Mullet

Difficulty: super easy | Time: 5-10 minutes

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Target species: tarpon, snook, redfish, largemouth bass...

Tie Finesse Changer

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How To Tie: The Brushy Baitfish

How To Tie: The Brushy Baitfish

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Tying the Eat Me Fly (Ole Florida Style)

How To Tie: The Eat Me Fly

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Imitates: glass minnow/fry/small baitfish...

Target species: tarpon, snook, redfish, largemouth bass...

Tying the Polar Fiber Minnow baitfish fly

How To Tie: The Polar Fiber Minnow

Difficulty: difficult | Time: 15-20 minutes

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Target species: tarpon, snook, redfish, largemouth bass...

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