One look at the Sili-Legs bonefish fly and you might say, “That’s a hybrid Gotcha.” The basic Gotcha, which has been around for a long time, is a must-have pattern for bonefish. I like to think that the Sili-Legs is a new look at an old favorite and that Jim McVay, the originator of the Gotcha, would approve.
I created the Sili-Legs by accident when fishing out of Los Roques, Venezuela. Each night I was tying flies because, well, there’s not much to do after sundown on that little island. I came across a pack of sili-legs in a spotted pattern. I tried them on a standard Gotcha and liked the look. The following day confirmed that the bonefish liked that look, too. Silicone legs float, so when the fly is retrieved the legs lay back against the fly. With each pause the legs flare out, giving lifelike action.
I knew I was onto something and after Los Roques, I tried the Sili-Legs at a couple of lodges in the Bahamas and it brought a double-digit bonefish to the boat. In time we fished it in Belize and Mexico with more positive results. I was excited and was sharing the fly with friends and clients and it was well received by everyone . . . but most importantly the fish loved it wherever it was thrown.
Bonus: the fly is easy to tie. I like a size 4 for Andros Island and most of the Bahamas, and a smaller size 6 or 8 for the Yucatan and Belize. On the rare occasion, a permit will pick it up. Now that’s icing on the cake!
