A twist on a Popovic Hollow Tied Bulkhead Beast Fly

The hollow tie technique is an excellent method for giving the fly volume but can be adapted to imitate most baitfish profiles, and other prey items such as shrimp patterns etc.

Fly tying example of the hollow tie technique

I designed this fly for Pike on larger waters such as Lochs or Large Trout reservoirs using the hollow tie method but leaving the angle of the bucktail wider than the standard hollow tie technique to give the fly a wider profile when wet. The head of the fly is also clipped to leave a wider blunt head which also gives the fly a wider profile on the retrieve. The flash and bunches of bucktail have been gradually increased as you get closer to the head, and I have used Fox Rage Predator wire 49 strand in 65lb breaking strain for the joint between the hook and the shanks.

Materials List

Thread

Veniard Dyneema Thread – Extremely strong yet fine white split thread ideal for fly tying. Can be split for dubbing and tinted with markers. Available in 110- or 220-denier.
Buy Now

Hook

5/0 Ahrex SA210 Bob Clouser Signature Fly Hook – Straight-eye streamer hook built to Bob Clouser’s spec. A-Steel finish, chemically sharpened point, excellent for saltwater flies.
Buy Now

Articulation

2 × 35 mm Partridge Predator Shanks – Durable stainless shanks designed for articulated predator flies. Corrosion-resistant with lifelike action.
Buy Now

Wire

Fox Rage 49-strand Wire – Flexible, kink-proof multi-strand steel wire for predator leaders. Strong yet sleek for casting.
Buy Now

Body

White, Yellow & Orange Veniard Bucktail – Premium Whitetail Deer hair for streamer bodies and tails. Great for Clousers and intruders.
Buy Now

Tail/Body Flash

Hedron Silver Holographic Flash – Sparkling silver flash that boosts visibility and attraction.
Buy Now

Tail/Body Flash

Hedron Pearl Polarflash – Iridescent pearlescent flash that mimics baitfish sheen.
Buy Now

Tail/Body Flash

Hedron Mirage Flashabou – Multicolour holographic flash with a shifting mirrored effect.
Buy Now

Tail/Body Flash

Hedron Ice Blue Flashabou – Cool-toned blue reflective flash, ideal for cold-water baitfish patterns.
Buy Now

Hackle

Whiting 4B Rooster Saddle Hackles (white × 2) – Premium hackles with soft, flowing fibres for streamers and dry flies.
Buy Now

Glue

Zap-A-Gap – Trusted fly-tying glue with waterproof, UV-resistant bonding. Ideal for head cements and repairs.
Buy Now

Head

Glo Brite No. 4 Floss – Fluorescent floss for hot-spot tags, collars and ribbing. Adds visibility and a pop of colour.
Buy Now

View All Materials

Bobs Popovics's patterns are very scalable, so you can adapt the design for large or smaller species, and as we get closer to trout fry feeding time you could find some inspiration for some roach and perch fry patterns. A detailed description of the technique can be found easily with a search on google or on youtube. The technique was originally developed for Striped Bass flies by the famous Salwater Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Legend Bob Popovics. I thoroughly recommend his books, if you are looking to tie saltwater and predator flies. Both books are a superb guide to the art, skills, imitation and innovation from the author.

Cover of the book Pop Fleyes
Pop Fleyes: Bob Popovics's Approach to Saltwater Fly Design
Cover of the book Fleye Design
Fleye Design: Techniques, Insights, Patterns by Bob Popovics.

Most of the materials for the flies he ties are easily available, but usually an alternative product can be easily substituted if you can't find the exact material. The patterns he ties are also open to experimentation with other materials, so there is a lot of opportunity to use your imagination, or use the materials you may already have without buying a lot of new materials.

Comments