StreamersHood Rat

The Hood Rat is a large, articulated streamer pattern designed to imitate a baitfish. It's an excellent choice for targeting predatory fish such as bass and pike. The pattern's two-part body gives it a lifelike swimming action in the water.

Season
Year Round
Difficulty
Advanced
Target Species
Bass, Pike
Hood Rat - Image source: InTheRiffle
Image source: InTheRiffle

Overview

This foam terrestrial mouse pattern features a stacked deer hair head, extended tail, and zonker strip body for maximum movement and buoyancy. Designed to draw explosive topwater takes from bass and trout alike, especially at night.

Pattern Characteristics

Advanced Difficulty
Bass, Pike
Stillwater
Moving Water
Year Round
Imitates: Baitfish

Materials

Hook: Tiemco 8089, sizes #02-10
Thread: Black UTC 140
Tail: Brown or Tan Ultra Chenille
Body, Belly and Back: Tan 2MM Foam
Legs/Side: Chinchilla or Grizzly Zonker Rabbit Strips
Glue: ZapAGap and Foam Safe ZapAGap

Fishing Tips

Season

This fly can be used year-round.

Presentation

Vary your retrieve and don't be afraid to give it a little twitch to mimic a baitfish's erratic movements.

When to Use

Use it when targeting predatory fish like bass or pike.

Water Type

It can be used in both stillwater and moving water.

Rigging Suggestions

Given the size of this fly, a stout leader and tippet are recommended.

Visibility & Floatation

This fly is highly visible and sinks. It's designed to be stripped back to mimic a swimming baitfish.