Blob Flies

Template:Infobox artificial fly

Flies vary incredibly, from old classics like Prince Nymph, Mallard and Claret to modern flies like Blobs and the many lures developed by modern fly tyers with modern materials. The origins of blob flies trace back to the world of uk competitive fly fishing and this modern fly finds a place in the fly box of anglers worldwide. Originally created in the 1990s by Coventry-based angler Paul McLinden. He initially tied a fly with an orange wing, but when it detached, the wingless fly out-fished his partner’s fly, leading to the modern wingless design where they quickly rose to prominence thanks to their remarkable effectiveness. Anglers prize them for their versatility, using them successfully in all types of water—from crystal clear to murky. Their unmatched performance in “speed fishing” sets them apart, as few patterns can rival the blob’s fish-catching ability. Whether retrieved rapidly, worked slowly, or simply allowed to drift and fish “on the drop,” blob flies consistently deliver results—even in river conditions.

Variations

Blob flies come in a wide range of variations, each designed to adapt to different water conditions, depths, and fish behaviors. While the basic concept—a dense, brightly colored, chenille-bodied lure—is consistent, subtle differences in color, material, and additions like beads or UV fibers make each type distinct. Here’s a breakdown of the most common Blob fly variations:

Color Variations

• Sunburst Blob – Bright orange/yellow tones; one of the most famous and effective variants.
• Fiery Brown Blob – More natural-looking, often used in slightly colored or peaty water.
• Viva Blob – Black and green combination, great for imitating small fry or triggering reaction bites.
• Tequila Blob – A mix of hot orange and yellow; excellent in low light or stained water.
• Cat Blob – Chartreuse and black, a go-to color combination for stocked trout.
• Coral Blob – Soft coral/pink hue, often deadly in clear water.
• Pink Blob – Popular in colder months or when fish are fixated on bright attractors.

Material & Construction Variations

• Standard Blob – Built with Fritz or blob chenille; dense and highly visible.
• UV Blob – Uses UV-reactive materials for extra flash in low light.
• Mini Blob – Smaller profile for pressured or wary fish. 8mm chenilles are ideal for these
• Booby Blob – Features foam eyes to give buoyancy; fished on sinking lines for a suspended presentation.
• FAB Blob (Foam-Arsed Blob) – A blob with a small foam tail to make it hover enticingly in the water column.
• Weighted Blob – Incorporates a bead head or lead wire for faster sinking in deep or fast-moving water.

Good hooks include Egg hooks , Nymph hooks or for a curved hook or gammarus hooks .

Fishing approach

Blob fly fishing techniques are surprisingly versatile — despite their simple appearance, Blobs can be fished effectively in almost any condition, using different lines, retrieves, and setups. Here’s a detailed guide to the primary Blob fishing techniques used by recreational and competition anglers alike:

1. The Straight Retrieve

When to use: Active or feeding fish, clear or lightly colored water.

How it works:

• Cast the Blob out and retrieve it at a steady pace.
• Vary the speed — sometimes a fast retrieve triggers aggression, while a slow, pulsing retrieve works when fish are following but not taking.
• Watch for line twitches or hesitation; many strikes happen as the Blob slows or pauses.

Tip: Use a figure-of-eight retrieve for subtle movement or a roly-poly retrieve for speed fishing.

2. Speed Fishing

When to use: Stocked trout or competitive situations where covering water fast is key.

How it works:

• Fish multiple Blobs (2–3 flies) on a sinking or intermediate line.
• Use the roly-poly retrieve — both hands pulling the line quickly.
• Trout often hit aggressively as the flies race past or change direction.

Tip: Use bright colors (Sunburst, Tequila, Pink) and mix Blob sizes or materials to see what triggers bites.

3. On the Drop (Letting It Sink)

When to use: Fish suspended mid-water or when they’re not chasing.

How it works:

• After casting, don’t retrieve immediately — let the Blob sink naturally.
• Watch the line carefully — takes often happen as it sinks.
• Count down to control depth (“countdown method”).

Tip: Use a FAB Blob or Booby Blob to adjust sink rate and create a hovering effect.

4. Washing-Line Technique

When to use: Calm or slightly rippled conditions, especially in stillwaters.

How it works:

• Rig a buoyant fly (FAB Blob or Booby Blob) on the point, with smaller nymphs or buzzers on droppers.
• The buoyant Blob holds the team up, keeping the nymphs in the strike zone.
• Retrieve slowly or let it drift naturally.

Tip: This setup is deadly for finicky fish that want a slower presentation.

5. Deep or Di7 Technique

When to use: Cold water or when fish are hugging the bottom.

How it works:

• Use a fast-sinking line (Di5–Di7).
• Count down until you reach the bottom layer.
• Retrieve slowly — Blobs flutter just above the bed, mimicking small fry or attractors.

Tip: Weighted or darker-colored Blobs (Fiery Brown, Viva) work best here.

6. River Blob Fishing

When to use: Faster currents or stocked river trout.

How it works:

• Cast slightly upstream or across.
• Let the Blob drift naturally, occasionally lifting or twitching the rod tip.
• Fish will often grab as it swings or rises at the end of the drift.

Tip: Smaller, more natural-colored Blobs are best for rivers.

References

This article "Blob Flies" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Blob Flies. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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