The Bendback Pinfish is a great fly that is naturally weedless due to the bendback style of tying. I downsize it a bit for the fall and winter by trimming only, as I like to tie this fly on a size 1/0 through 3/0 hook. Stripped through the flats or dropped deep next to a bridge for some inshore grouper action, this fly will yield results. Be aware that this fly could have used about 15 more pictures, so please examine the photos carefully — each illustrates two or three steps. This is not the easiest fly to teach in an article but I wanted to try, as it has been working very well on trout and snook. If there are any questions, you know where I am. Thank you,
have fun and respect the environment.

Shawn Zelek grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where he was an avid skier
and fly angler. He relocated
to Florida to attend flight school and later worked as a corporate pilot. In 2010, he and his wife Julie opened Flying Fish Outfitters (303 S. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis). While he enjoys everything to do with fishing, he especially likes fly fishing and fly tying. Contact him at shawn@flying
fishflorida.com or 941-
412-4512.