LeechSchultzy's Red Eye Leech
Schultzy's Red Eye Leech is Mike Schultz's signature pattern designed for aggressive smallmouth bass and other predatory fish. The distinctive red pseudo eyes positioned on top of the hook create a Clouser-style inverted presentation while the rabbit strip body undulates enticingly with every movement. This larger profile pattern excels when fish are keying on bigger prey items.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Advanced
Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Steelhead
Overview
This Schultz Outfitters pattern by Mike "Schultzy" Schultz has become a go-to pattern for smallmouth bass anglers across the Midwest. The inverted hook design (similar to a Clouser minnow) positions the red eyes on top of the hook shank, creating a jigging action and keeping the hook point up to reduce snags. The rabbit strip tail is punctured and strapped in with repeated wraps, then wrapped forward to form the body. The mallard flank collar adds subtle movement while the dubbed rabbit head creates a finished profile.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Daiichi 2546, #4-1/0
Thread: Black, 140 denier
Eyes: Hareline Pseudo Eyes (or Spirit River Real Eyes Plus), red, 7/32" or 1/4"
Tail Flash: Flashabou Splash, copper or gold
Tail/Body: Rabbit Strip, black (approximately 2-3")
Collar: Mallard or Wood Duck Flank (or Lady Amherst in dubbing loop)
Head: Rabbit fur (trimmed from hide, spun in dubbing loop)
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring, summer, and early fall when smallmouth bass and trout are actively feeding on larger prey items. Particularly deadly during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods.
Presentation
Cast and allow the fly to sink, then use a slow, erratic strip retrieve to activate the rabbit strip and create the jigging action. The weighted eyes provide a diving motion on each strip that imitates a fleeing baitfish or swimming leech.
When to Use
Select this pattern when targeting aggressive fish that are willing to chase larger prey. Excellent choice for smallmouth bass in rivers and lakes, as well as large brown trout and steelhead.
Water Type
Versatile pattern effective in both rivers and stillwater. In moving water, swing through runs and strip through pools. In stillwater, work along structure, rock piles, and drop-offs where smallmouth hold.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 7.5-9 foot leader with 1X-3X fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance. Use sink-tip or full-sinking lines for deeper presentations. The weighted eyes provide adequate sink rate for most applications.
Visibility & Floatation
The red pseudo eyes serve as a highly visible attractor point while providing weight for the jigging action. The copper or gold flash in the tail adds attraction while the black rabbit strip creates a distinctive silhouette.
