New Product Highlight

There is little doubt in my mind the Gamechanger Fly has been just that, for certain fisheries. The fly was phenomenal during tarpon season, enticing strikes from fish that routinely ignore other flies. The fly has also been successful with snook, redfish and seatrout. There has only been one issue with the fly: tying it small enough and still having enough links to get the movement you want.

While sitting with the innovator of the fly, Blane Chocklett, we talked about the number of links needed. We agreed that a minimum of four was needed, but that six or seven really made the fly come alive. This meant a fly that was at least 60mm in length, as the shortest available spines were 10mm in length; that transfers to just about 2 1/2 inches in length. Now, add in the hook length and the fly was usually a minimum of about 3 1/2 inches. Not huge, but bigger than needed for some circumstances. The 10mm spines were also the same thickness as the larger ones, which added weight to the fly, making these flies a little difficult for less capable fly casters.

Well, that is now history! Fish Skull, the manufacturer of the spines, has just released Micro-Spines. These spines are available in 8mm and 6mm sizes! Not only are the spines smaller, they are made from a new, lighter steel wire. These new spines

greatly improve the ability to tie smaller, lighter Gamechanger flies. In fact, I just tied a Baitfish with 6 articulations, that comes in a little under 2 inches. It is also as light as a normal baitfish fly.

Shrimp, crab, baitfish, insects, and more can now be made even more lifelike, with incredible movement. Check them out and see if they don't help some of those stubborn fish decide to eat!