Tuscan Bunny

It has been said, “ that some flies are tied to catch fish and others to catch the fisherman who buy them.”

The peculiar looking Tuscan Bunny fly is most certainly the prior of the two. Although the jagged and asymmetrical shaped head is not much to look at, it like the rest of the elements that make up the fly are by design. At first glance the fly’s modest list of materials and simple construction may be mistaken for a hastily thrown together mess of fur and foam. However the evolution of the pattern has taken place over the past three years and it is a culmination of purposely-selected materials and techniques for applying them. Thousands of casts, hundreds of refusals and countless hours of testing and tweaking…that is what it takes to transform a mélange of natural and synthetic materials in to a reliably productive fly pattern.

The target species of the Tuscan Bunny are ambush feeders with an up ward facing morphology, like Tarpon, Snook whose eyes are positioned closer to the tops of their heads. The position of their eyes makes it easier for them to see their prey at eye level or overhead in the water column. When looking up for food, darker colors that silhouette against a light sky background are easier to see and therefor increase your chances for a strike.

Wrestling these saltwater bruisers require a stout hook that is not easily straightened, soft yet durable materials that move effortlessly in the water and last but not least, something to keep it all suspended just under the surface. Oh yeah did I mention it needs to push water irregularly to aid the swimming action of the fly, it can’t water log or come down with a heavy “splat” AND it shouldn't foul ether.

It sounds like a tall order, but it can be accomplished by combining a few familiar materials with some bizarre techniques. Put it all together with a long slow strip and the occasional “tip waggle” and you will find even the most persnickety eaters will find this rabbit recipe irresistible.