I Boobies are a special type of streamer used in fly fishing, particularly effective in stillwater lakes and ponds. They are distinguished by the presence of two foam balls near the head, which act as floats, lifting the bait and giving it a unique movement. This bait is especially popular with trout, and its use is very effective in colder periods or when the fish are deep and difficult to stimulate.
The Booby is an artificial fly mounted with two foam balls near the head, which keep the bait raised off the bottom. This buoyancy attracts fish due to the swinging movement and often provokes aggressive reactions, as the bait looks like prey in distress. It can also be used in Washing Line i.e. mounting a small booby in the tip and two nymphs or chironomes in the droppers but this is a technique I will explain in future articles. Also used a lot with Sweep tails at the tip and a booby blob. Colours range from white, black, orange to neon green, ideal for attracting attention even at a distance.
Cane: A # 7/8 fly rod, allowing long casts and manoeuvring the Booby at different depths.
The Tails: The sinking tail used for fishing near the bottom is the Booby Basher, originally designed for long range bank fishing on concrete docks in the UK; this tail quickly sinks flies to depths of 30 feet or more. The head is 55 feet long and is designed to be cut to fit your rod, it has a drop rate of Di8 and should be cut to about 40 feet to work on a 7/8 # rod. An ultra thin, rippled tail to reduce tangles, its high visibility orange runnig line colour is great for sighting shots. The total length of the line is 55yds. The Booby can also be used with intermediate tails and floats when trout are just below the surface and require a slow retrieve.
Terminal: Using a relatively short leader, from the tail to the float about 90 cm and 150 cm from the dropper to the tip fly helps to keep the lure close to the bottom, as the buoyancy of the Booby tends to make it rise. It is very important to keep the arm about 40 cm long to avoid stranding on the bottom, remembering to make several stops to let the lure rise.
Static with Slow RecoveryThe Booby is most effective with slow, short retrieves that make the bait swing. Let it sink to the desired depth, then start with short rips and pauses, allowing the Booby to float above the bottom. This technique mimics the behaviour of prey such as small fish or leeches.
Rolly Polly: A fast retrieve technique in which the line is quickly reeled in with both hands. This movement creates a fleeing action, simulating frightened prey. It is ideal when trout are particularly active and willing to chase a fast-moving bait.
Snapshot Recovery: An alternating retrieve, with short pulls followed by pauses, makes the Booby rise and fall like a struggling minnow, increasing the likelihood of catching the attention of a predator.
Bottom Areas and Vegetation-rich ZonesBoobies work very well in areas of the lake with submerged vegetation or near the bottom. The foam balls lift the bait off the bottom, making it look like prey swimming through the algae or over the rocks.
Ideal TimetablesThe Booby is effective during the cold hours of the day or in autumn and winter, when fish are deeper and less active. It is also useful during cloudy or windy days, when visibility is reduced and a bait that attracts with movement is needed.
Flash ColoursPink, chartreuse, orange and white are popular colours for Boobies, as they visually attract fish. On sunny days, more natural colours such as brown, black and olive green can be more discreet and just as effective.
Dual Tone ModelsBoobies with colour combinations, such as black and red or green and yellow, can increase effectiveness in clear water, attracting attention in a more natural way.
Experience Speed and MovementIf there are no bites, vary the speed of the retrieve. Sometimes a faster or slower retrieve, or a change of movement, can make all the difference.
Dual Streamer Systems: In murkier or deeper water, you can mount a Booby in combination with another streamer or bait of a similar size. This creates a greater attraction and increases the chances of catching.
Boobies are therefore very versatile and productive baits for fly fishing in lakes, especially in difficult situations or when the fish are idle near the bottom.
