Our latest fly tying video is one for the streamer fans. If you don’t already love fishing streamers, this is one of those flies that might convert you. This time, Ben Baxter shows us how to tie Bennett’s Lunch Money.
Developed by Umpqua Signature tyer, Matt Bennett, the Lunch Money has become one of our favorite streamer patterns. It’s a compact, realistic-looking baitfish pattern that’s fun to tie. It can be tied in a wide variety of color combinations, making it effective for bass, trout, or in any waters where you find bite-sized baitfish.
Originally tied for Texas bass waters, it’s designed to ride hook-side-up. This allows for slow retrievals and fishing close to the bottom while avoiding snags. The rabbit strip tail and body give the fly a lifelike movement in the water, while the Senyo’s Laser Dubbing adds profile and just enough subtle flash.
This pattern uses rabbit zonkers for the tail and body. And like so many fly tying materials, fur strips can easily cause some confusion. What’s the difference between micro strips, magnum strips, zonkers and cross cut strips? How do you choose the right rabbit or squirrel material for the streamer you're tying?
If you’ve ever asked these questions, you’re not alone. For some answers, we turned to one of our streamer gurus here at Anglers All, Johnnie Trujillo. He had some great tips to remember…
When it comes to squirrel zonkers, Johnnie told us to think leech patterns. The short, soft fibers of the pine squirrel create great movement in the water for patterns like the Squirrel Leech or the Slump Buster.
Next, micro rabbit strips are great for palmering or wrapping onto the hook. The Drunk and Disorderly is a great example. And Johnnie told us that magnum rabbit strips are often used for creating the "back" of a fly, like the Daili Lama or Sculpzilla.
Finally, cross-cut strips allow the long rabbit hair to flare off at an angle when wrapped or palmered. This allows the hairs to lie down when the fly is wet, perfect for flies that require a more streamlined profile. Want to see these examples in action? You can find videos for all the patterns mentioned above in our video library.
Now, check out the video, as Ben shows us how to tie Bennett’s Lunch Money:
Lunch Money Materials List:
Hook: Gamakatsu B10S (#4 - #6)
Thread: Veevus 140 Power Thread
Eyes: Painted Dumbbell Eyes
Body/Tail: Rabbit Zonkers
Head: Senyo's Laser Dub
Legs: Senyo's Fusion Foil Legs
Resin: Loon UV Clear Fly Finish
If you found this video helpful, we’d appreciate you taking a moment to like it on YouTube and subscribe to the Anglers All channel. Have ideas for future videos you’d like to see? Please leave it in the comments!
Meanwhile, you can purchase Bennett’s Lunch Money here. Or use the links above to find the materials and begin tying your own! Online orders can opt for free shipping or curbside pick up right here at the shop.
If you have questions about tying this pattern or any other fly tying related questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! We’re here to help – stop by and see us at the fly shop in Littleton. Or call us a t 303-794-1104.