In this fly tying video, our resident carp fanatic, Daryl Eakins, shows us how to tie the original carp classic, Zimmerman’s Backstabber.

The Backstabber was one of the first commercially produced carp flies, developed by Umpqua Signature Tyer, Jay Zimmerman. Jay honed his Backstabber fly pattern here on the Front Range of Colorado, while fly fishing for carp in local reservoirs, ponds and rivers.

Designed to ride hook-up in the water, this pattern has just enough weight to get it down in front of carp, but not so heavy that it alerts these spooky fish. Using a bonefish hook, Jay added just enough marabou and hackle to give the pattern the right amount of movement in the water.

But whatever it is about the Backstabber, it’s a dynamite carp fly. It was so effective right from the outset that its popularity quickly spread well beyond Colorado and you can now find backstabbers being fished anywhere you find carp. 

Take a look at the video, as Daryl shows us how to tie one of the original carp fly patterns, Zimmerman’s Backstabber:

Materials List:

·     HOOK: Gamakatsu SL45 (6 - 8)

·     EYES: Spirit River Dazl Eyes (1/8")

·     GLUE 1 (Eyes): Loon Water-Based Head Cement

·     THREAD 1: 140 Denier Ultra Thread

·     THREAD 2: Semperfli 50 Denier Nano Silk

·     BODY: Whitlock SLF Dubbing

·     WING: Marabou (Black)

·     COLLAR: India Hen (Olive)

·     GLUE 2 (Thread): Zap-A-Gap

In addition to the tying materials, you can also purchase the Backstabber on the Anglers All website here. If you found this video helpful, please take a minute to like it on YouTube and subscribe to the Anglers All YouTube Channel.

Contact Us With Questions

If you have questions about fly tying techniques, materials or tools, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help! Stop by the fly shop in Littleton. Or give us a call at 303-794-1104.