How to Tie the Marabou Tarpon Toad: A Saltwater Classic

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Step 1

Start your thread at the hook eye and lay a short thread base back to where you want to place the eyes.

 Step 2

Attach the plastic eyes on the front third of the hook shank using a tight figure‑8 thread pattern. Make several firm wraps around and in front of the eyes to lock them in place; you can also use bead chain or small dumbbell eyes if you want this fly to sink.

 Step 3

Wrap the thread back to the bend, covering the hook shank completely with an even thread base.

Step 4

Select one Hairline Extra Select Marabou feather and tie it in on top of the hook shank as the tail, about 2–3 times the length of the hook shank. After it is secured, pinch and lift the marabou, then make 2–3 wraps under the tail to build a small bump that keeps the marabou lifted away from the hook to prevent fouling.

Step 5

Take one strand of Crystal Flash, fold it in half over your thread, and tie it in on one side of the hook shank so the ends match the tail length.

Step 6

Repeat on the other side of the hook shank with another strand of Crystal Flash using the same fold‑over technique, then trim the flash so it is even with the marabou tail.

Step 7

Take another Hairline Extra Select Marabou feather and trim about 1 inch off the thin tip to remove the weakest part of the feather.

Step 8

Tie in the marabou by the trimmed tip on top of the hook shank. Wrap the marabou forward in 2–4 turns, stroking the fibers back with your fingers as you go so they sweep toward the tail and do not get trapped.

Step 9

After wrapping, use a bodkin or small brush to free any trapped fibers. While holding the fibers back, secure the stem with several tight thread wraps in front of the marabou.

Step 10

Using the same trimming technique, prepare a red Hairline Extra Select Marabou feather and tie it in on top of the hook shank. Wrap the red marabou around the hook shank 2–3 times, always pulling the fibers back so they sweep toward the tail.

Step 11

Use your bodkin or brush again to pull out any trapped fibers. Build a small thread dam in front of the red marabou to push the fibers slightly back and give the collar a nice flare.

Step 12

Take a small pinch of EP Fibers and fold it around your thread. Tie the fibers in on one side of the hook shank, then fold the other half to the opposite side and tie them down at the same angle, leaving about 1–2 inches of EP Fibers sticking out from each side. Use sparse clumps so the head does not get too bulky. 

Step 13

Trim the EP Fibers to about 1.5–2 inches from the hook shank. Repeat this same tie‑in and trimming process in stacked sections up both sides of the hook, working forward until you are just behind the plastic eyes.

Step 14

When you reach the eyes, build a small, smooth thread head in front of them. Finish with 2–4 whip finishes and secure the head with a drop of your favorite glue or resin.

Step 15

Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the EP Fibers upward and use your thumb as a cutting guide to trim them into a tapered baitfish shape. EP Fibers are tough to cut, so use sharp scissors and trim a little at a time until you like the profile.