by dahlberg » Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:45 am
hi matt,
Usually you don't need "really big" bunny flies. It also helps to tie them with a tapered strip that starts out 1/4-3/8" wide and tapers to a point. I've found they cast better and tangle less.
When I want to make a fly that's longer than the length you can make a rabbit strip with out it flapping too much in the breeze, I go to big fly fiber and/or long saddle hackles/flashabou in different forms.
The loop you're asking about is tied in facing backward, like a little short beaver tail, just under where the rabbit strip meets the hook.
It's purpose is to help keep a poorly tied rabbit strip fly from getting hook wrapped.
I suggest making some that pop and dive, some that wake just under the surface, some that are neutrally bouyant, and others that sink quickly in a head down fashion. I usually use flies from 5" to 10" but have seen pike caught on flies over 24" long!
best,
L
Larry Dahlberg
The Hunt For Big Fish