(^74) FLYLIFE
his is one of those pat-
terns that I think should
be in everybody’s fly-
box. Not because we are
all going out to fish for
saratoga, but because the fly is such
a generic representation of ‘some-
thing edible’ and a well thought-out,
simple design. Tied with a Mara Wool
body, the Toga Destroyer has a slow
sink rate, so it hangs in the zone, with
good profile and movement sugges-
tive of prey species. The pattern is
easily varied to create floating or sink-
ing versions simply by substituting
materials.
Andy Vockler hails from South East
Queensland, and aside from his per-
mit affliction he loves to catch sara-
toga in nearby impoundments. Like
many of us, his time at the vice is
precious, and flies to be fished around
snags must be kept simple and cover
a number of bases.
The foundation is the Gamakatsu
B10S in sizes #4 through #1/0. Natu-
rally, size #2 is the favourite. The fly
is weighted with black bead chain
eyes, which can be substituted with
black plastic bead chain eyes if you
want to tie a floating version. These
are tied in first, which prevents you
from cramming the head with wool
later on.
Andy’s Toga Destroyer is full of
movement, which starts with the
zonker strip tail. Magnum Zonker is
the one to use, which is cut a little
thicker than your standard trouty
variety. You can try the Texas Cut on
larger flies, and taper the rear a little.
Before the zonker strip is tied in, a
flat loop of 20 lb Mason Hard Type
monofilament is tied in at the rear
of the hook shank, so that it extends
just beyond the bend. This simple
measure will prevent the zonker
tail from wrapping around the hook
bend, ensuring a good presentation
every time.
Next, a collar of Mara Wool is tied
in, surrounding the tail material and
extending about halfway down the
zonker. Then it is a matter of ‘spin-
ning’ and packing bunches of Mara
Wool until you reach the bead chain
eyes. Tie a bunch in the middle, and
let it flare around the hook shank
as you tighten the thread. Move
your thread forward and compress
the body back with your finger-
nails before proceeding with another
bunch. If you wanted to tie a floating
fly, deer hair would be the natural
choice.
T
(^74) FLYLIFE
Andy’s Toga Destroyer...
On The Beach
Saltwater flies with Chris Beech
HOOK: Gamakatsu B10S #4–1/0
THREAD: 3/0 Monocord
TAIL: Magnum Zonker Strip,
20 lb Mason Hard Type Mono
EYES: Black Bead Chain
BODY: Tiewell Mara Wool
Note: A mono weedguard is a useful
addition in snaggy surrounds.
ANDY’S TOGA DESTROYER
360
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