The classic Tarpon Bunny is one of the most effective big-fish flies to ever splash down on the flats. The rabbit fur fibers that comprise the bulk of the fly are delicate and soft, which means this tarpon treat has sinuous, snake-like action on the strip, and plenty of pulsing and breathing action on the pause. If this fly is in the water, it’s fishing.
While this family of flies is usually associated with Florida tarpon fishing, its effective range is far broader. Consider the Tarpon Bunny a generic prey-fish pattern, one that you can size up or down to get, say, a Pike Bunny, a Bonefish Bunny or even a Trout Bunny. Popular tarpon colors include tan, red, black, and purple and black, to name a few. As variations, some tiers replace the rabbit tail wing with saddle hackle, or swap out the wrapped rabbit collar for bucktail. While these modifications may result in flies that are easier to cast and slower to sink, neither have quite the same movement as those tied with rabbit. We recommend not substituting.