Tying the Buford in Cotton Candy for Pike and Musky

One of my favourite patterns to tie and fish is the Buford, which was designed by Brad Bohen. The single hook version is really quick and easy once you practise a few. There is no right or wrong way, though hopefully through this tutorial you will get a good idea of material placement and proportion. All you need is bucktail, feathers, optional flash and some imagination.
Material List:
Hook: Ahrex Hooks Predator Stinger PR320 6/0
Thread: 100/150D GSP
Bucktail: White, grey, blue & pink
Schlappen or Saddle feathers in white, grey and grizzly
Hedron Magnum Flashabou in moonlight

[@BeyerOutdoors]

Thank you for the instructions and sharing other materials that can be used. I'm currently tying the Buford pattern.

[@philstevens6934]

A terrific video. Have been struggling with deer hair for months. You made everything simple, and direct. I will be applying your techniques to my next tying session.

[@lukekaye4077]

Sweet video I was having trouble with the head part. This helps

[@jimbutler5630]

Paul, love your videos! I enjoy tying along, pausing you to keep up! Great stuff, keep up the good work!

[@RaptorzFishing]

great stuff !!!! nice versatile bunch of materials mate!! pairing them is always great and seeing the finished fly would make me feel confident fishing it!

[@michaelburk9171]

Thanks for the tutorial. I think the nearest pike or musky is at least a 1000 miles from where I live. But no doubt bass, stripers, and even some salt water species would hit this.

[@mattchirhart9678]

What a great video Paul!

[@rabbithole_flies]

nice tie & video Paul!

[@crazycarl6922]

To bad theres only a like button becuz i loved this vid

[@alanrussell6437]

Just ordered some feathers , will defo be trying this when they arrive . Thanks Paul

[@jacobbeers1136]

Great vid!

[@mvsc-k5e]

i’ve tried to make that buford head a dozen times and can’t get the bucktail to spin as well as this; any tips?

[@paul_monaghan]

I would say use the softest hair you have which is usually near the base of the tail. Try spinning slightly stiffer hair in a dubbing loop. You might be surprised.

[@montanastrongremodelrenova1632]

what are your top 3 go to fly patterns for pike/bass/musky? thanks

[@paul_monaghan]

We don't have your bass or musky in the UK. My absolute favourite for pike is the Reverse BULKhead. Joint second are Flashy Hollows and Flashy Deceivers. Colours differ depending on the water clarity.

[@ProbablySkunked]

Great video! Going to tie a few of these up to try on the striped bass here in Canada. Ive got a question for you, I see that you are using a peak vice, do you have the saltwater jaws installed or the regular jaws? Does it do a good job of holding those bigger hooks?

[@paul_monaghan]

Thx...I haven't needed to invest in the salt jaws as the standard work fine

[@dirkvannieuwenhove]

Just a simple but important question: which type of sharp scissors do you use? I’m struggling to find a decent pair and in the end it will cost me more than to invest in a good one. Appreciate any feedback you can give!

[@paul_monaghan]

I've given up buying expensive fly tying scissors. Using Fiskers...small oranges ones. I also have their sharpener. These are perfect for big flies.

[@DallasLopez1]

Since you've tied this in different sizes, what would you say the length of hairs on the head need to be usually? About half a hook shank length, respectively?

[@paul_monaghan]

For this size about 1.5" and then trimmed a little if looks too big. I'd rather add too much length than too little just in case I screw it up

[@OddBall1958]

As usual, Another great fly. Now I'll have to get to work again! Just curious if you've done your rendition of a Copper Comet?

[@paul_monaghan]

thanks. Not heard of that fly...will look it up

[@OddBall1958]

@@paul_monaghan I'd like to see that articulated and maybe with a black head. That is at your discretion of course. Thanks for the lessons and please keep them coming

[@paul_monaghan]

@@OddBall1958 I already have an articulated version on this channel. I tend not to repeat the same fly in different colours

[@markinnis8404]

Killer!!