喬的平頭鯡魚

First cast with the flathead shad and it got smashed before I could even start my retrieve. The baitfish profile looks natural in the water and the tail kicks nicely on a slow strip. Three fish in an hour, so it's staying tied on.

Water pushes through this fly with just the right amount of wiggle, and the flashy profile really pulls strikes from aggressive fish. I’ve had two solid outings with it so far, and the pattern holds up fine after repeated casts. Exactly what I needed for chasing predators.

The first time I tied one on, a smallmouth hit within five casts—this pattern really does pull predator fish out of cover. It’s been my go-to shad imitation all season, and the way it flutters on the strip sells the action to even the spookiest bass.