Mako Madness Flies :Swimmer and Cyclops Popper

By Rich Lewis

These two patterns were developed specifically to catch Mako Sharks. The inspiration was provided by Capt. Conway Bowman, who runs Bowman Bluewater. Conway Bowman’s San Diego based guide service specializes in fishing Mako Sharks on the fly. Capt. Bowman chums up these magnificent game fish and has developed a specialized bait and switch tactic to catch them on flies. After fishing with Conway and discussing the particular needs of that fishery, I set out to develop two flies to meet those specific needs. Evidentially I have succeeded, as Capt Bowman has reported good success using these two patterns. Mako Madness flies use a combination of special colors (Red/Orange/Pink) and a pronounced profile that take advantage of the hyperactive state the Sharks are in when chummed and teased. These 12 inch long flies are designed to be fished on a floating fly line and rigged with a wire bite trace. The Mako Madness Fly Swimmer is essentially a large baitfish pattern. The second Mako Madness pattern is the Cyclops Popper and can make a lot of noise on the surface of the water. Both of these flies can be tied using a choice of all Red, all Pink, or an all Orange materials theme. The Cyclops Popper pattern is designed as a string-through fly. Typically it is strung using single strand steel bite tippet.

Mako Madness Swimmer-Orange Theme

Mako Madness Cyclops Popper-Orange Theme

Mako Madness Cyclops Popper