Pattern Index

The Deep Runner
by Don Avondolio

A rattle-style fly, such as the "Rattle Rouser", "Rattlin Rogue", and "Cave's Rattlin' Rogue" are attractor patterns, all representing a bendback configuration. Inserting a plastic or glass rattle in the belly section creates a noise, attracting gamefish. Since fish hear at lower decibel levels than humans, rattle patterns are really noticeable, particularly when the water is dirty.
The hook up profile also gives these patterns a weedless feature that is an additional plus.
Another popular weighted pattern, almost universally accepted, is Bob Clouser's Deep Minnow. It produces a natural-looking, wounded motion during the retrieve.

The Deep Runner is a modification of both. It eliminates the rattle feature, but uses BBs or a length of bead chain ball-links in the belly section. Varying the number and size of either determines the sink rate. The Orvis catalog suggests that a 1/8-inch diameter brass bead sinks at 15 inches per second, but the buoyancy of the materials also comes into play, so experiment with various set-ups.

The belly of the pattern is constructed of Corsair, a similar tubing material, or piping. All are available in a variety of colors, diameters, and textures, so tiers can create realistic bodies to their own liking.

Big, lazy fish prefer bottom cover when ambushing prey, and the Deep Runner has the potential to get down there and take a trophy. Tie and carry several weighted Deep Runners to work different water depths and to handle the different water conditions you'll encounter during the season.

A realistic wiggle and flash are added enhancements for this pattern. The belly section can be coated with a thin layer of epoxy for durability.

Step 1: Wrap thread on shank from eye to bend.

Step 2: Attach the tubing on the top of the hook shank at the bend. Either whip finish this tie, or bring you thread in front of the tubing and wrap up to the eye.

Step 3: Insert the BBs, or Beadchain Balls into tubing. Lay the tubing along the shank, secure it tightly close to the eye, and whip finish.

Step 4: Put a thin coat of 5-Minute Epoxy on the tubing to secure the strands.

Step 5: When the epoxy is dry, add white bucktail and several strands of flash on each side.

Step 6: Turn the pattern hook-up in your vise and add a green bucktail top wing.

Step 7: Add the stick-on eyes and epoxy the head.

Note: Add cement after each tying step. The Deep Runner in the accompanying photograph was tied on a long-shank hook that was bent slightly to form the "Bendback" style.