The R.L.S. Razzle Dazzle

I tie lots of large flatwings in various colors and styles. Yet when I open my fly box I find myself reaching for a Razzle Dazzle time and time again. Developed by Kenney Abrames as a generic big bait pattern, the Razzle Dazzle has a seductive action and a color pallet that captures the many hues of the New England coast.

I like to use this fly when I am targeting big fish or when there is big bait present. It doesn't matter what kind of bait is around; herring, menhaden, alwifes, mackrel, the Razzle Dazzle looks like them all. The long flatwing saddles needed to tie this fly can be expensive upfront, but once you have these saddles you'll be glad you made the investment.

Fly tying is an art form and large flatwings are proof.

Recipe

Hook: Mustad 3407 size 2/0 - 5/0

Thread: White

Platform: Spars clump of long, white bucktail

Pillow: White dubbing

Tail: Three long white saddles, then two strands of pearl flashabou, then one yellow saddle, then two strands of red flashabou, then one silver doctor blue saddle, then two strands of silver flashabou, then one white saddle, then strands of light green flashabou, one bright green saddle (I used a second yellow saddle), then two strands of blue flashabou.

Body: Silver Mylar braid

Collar: Long white bucktail tied sparse and slightly full

Wing: One olive saddle

Topping: A silver doctor blue hackle tip

Tying Tips

This is a big fish/big bait fly, so tie it 7 inches at the minimum. Also, when tying in the flashabou strands do not trim them immediately. Leave them long until all the saddles are tied in. Then cut the flashabou such that each strand extends about one inch past the longest saddle.