Black Ghost Zonker Skullhead

Zonker patterns are very effective when it comes to targeting aggressive fish, be it trout, pike or perch. The Black Ghost Skullhead Zonker accurately mimics the way small fish such as minnows or parr swim, giving a lifelike action and look to the fly.

The original Black Ghost was created by Mr. Herb Welch back in 1927. Since then it has become one of the best known “old school” streamer patterns and is especially popular here in Iceland. It works really well for brown trout as well as sea run brown trout and some say that you don’t need another pattern in your box. That’s probably not true, but personally, I wouldn’t want to go fishing without it.

This version is a reasonably simple tie and shouldn’t take too long to create. The rabbit zonker wing gives the pattern great movement in the water, and brushing out the dubbed body gives it a lot more “presence”

Fish this fly on the swing and you’re bound to create a reaction!

Hook: Ahrex NS118
Weight: Gunsmoke cone / skull head and a few lead wraps.
Thread: Black 8/0 – I use white thread as well
Tail: Yellow rabbit zonker
Wing: Barred white/black rabbit zonker
Body: UV Black Ice Dub
Ribbing: Silver wire
Collar: Yellow rabbit zonker – Spun in the thread, or in a dubbing loop

Add rubber legs for extra feature