Bluegill Belly Bean
Bass Bug, Jig
Tied By Darrell Olson
Hook: Jig Hook, Size 8
Thread: 70 Denier, Light Olive
Head: Extra-Small (5/32”) Real Eyes Plus, Nickle/Pearl
Tail flash: Krystal Flash, Pearl (8 strands)
Abdomen: Dark Olive Estaz Medium (halfway)
Legs: Olive/Barred Clear Chicone’s Regular Crusher Legs (2 per side)
Thorax: Senyos’s Laser Dub, Light Olive
Notes:
The Bluegill Belly Bean fly pattern, designed by Paul Beel, is a versatile and effective fly for targeting bluegill, smallmouth bass, carp, and other panfish. It wasn’t created to imitate a specific insect or minnow. Instead, it’s an attractor fly – a mix of movement, color, and profile that just looks edible to fish. While we usually think of trout as the insect-eaters, the truth is bass and even carp will key in on buggy patterns if they catch the right motion.
Paul recommends stripping the fly—either slowly or quickly—when targeting bass. In stillwater like ponds or lakes, let it sink for 10 to 15 seconds before retrieving it. In rivers or creeks, you can bounce it along the bottom or simply strip it back through likely holding water. It’s a versatile little fly that works in a variety of conditions and across multiple species.