Description

Why the Cyclops Dying Baitfish Fly Gets Eaten

The Cyclops dying baitfish fly gives topwater predators a decision they can’t ignore — the moment a wounded baitfish rolls onto its side. We tied this pattern all in white, with a large eye fixed to the bottom of the fly instead of the top. As a result, the Cyclops dying baitfish fly floats and pops like a healthy baitfish, then flashes an exposed eye that reads as an easy, dying meal. Every predator that eats on the surface has keyed in on an injured baitfish at some point, and this fly gives them exactly that visual trigger.

We built the Cyclops on the same specially cut foam top as our Bomb Gurgler. In fact, this foam digs into the water harder than a standard gurgler and throws a more aggressive pop on every strip. Therefore, the Cyclops combines commotion and a visual trigger other topwater flies can’t match.

One Fly. Every Water.

Unlike patterns built for one environment, the Cyclops produces across salt and freshwater alike. Additionally, this is the fly you tie on when you want a single topwater option that covers tarpon, bass, and everything in between.

Premium Hardware: Gamakatsu SC15 1/0 Hook

We tie the Cyclops exclusively on the legendary Gamakatsu SC15 1/0 hook. This is the same trusted hardware we use across our entire lineup.

• Sticky Sharp Point: First, the needle-sharp point drives instantly into hard, bony jaws. As a result, it requires minimal hook-set effort.
• Optimal Shank Geometry: Next, the hook’s balance keeps the fly riding true on the surface. Therefore, it maintains a natural baitfish profile through every pop.
• Unmatched Strength: Finally, high-carbon steel construction resists bending. It handles explosive surface strikes from tarpon and bass alike.

Built in White: Craft Fur, Brush Body, and an Aggressive Foam Pop

We chose every material in the Cyclops for how it behaves in the water, not how it looks on the bench.

• White Craft Fur Tail: First, the craft fur mimics a fleeing baitfish’s profile and kicks with every strip. As a result, it looks alive even between pops.
• White Brush Body: Next, the brushy body pushes water and adds bulk without extra weight. This keeps the fly riding high and ready to pop on the next strip.
• Specially Cut Foam Top: Finally, the same aggressive-pop foam design as the Bomb Gurgler throws a louder pop than a standard gurgler, and it’s built to carry a dropper or chaser fly if you want one.

An Eye Where You Don’t Expect It

We put the Cyclops’s signature eye on the bottom of the fly instead of the top, and that’s the whole point.

• Large Eye on the Bottom: First, the eye stays hidden while the fly rides upright. As a result, it only reveals itself when the fly tips onto its side.
• Dying Baitfish Illusion: Additionally, that flash of an exposed eye reads as a wounded, easy meal. It’s the same visual cue predators key on when real baitfish are struggling.
• Trigger for Reluctant Fish: Finally, this extra visual trigger often closes the deal on fish that follow a topwater fly without committing.

Effortless to Cast

We designed the Cyclops with castability in mind. The fly loads a rod efficiently and delivers with accuracy, even in tight spots.

• 7-Weight Friendly: First, it casts well on a 7 wt. fly rod. Therefore, you don’t need to overgun your setup.
• Wind-Cutting Profile: Additionally, the compact foam head cuts through coastal breezes. It punches into tight windows without wrecking your presentation.
• Accurate Delivery: Finally, the well-balanced design lands softly and settles naturally. This is critical when targeting wary fish in shallow water.

Target Species

The Cyclops produces across a wide range of predators:

Saltwater Predators

• Baby Tarpon — First, this dying baitfish fly draws explosive surface strikes from baby tarpon rolling and feeding in shallow, grassy backcountry.
• Snook — Next, it also triggers eat responses from snook holding near structure and current edges.
• Speckled Trout — Finally, it produces on speckled trout keying in on surface commotion and an easy meal.

Freshwater & Brackish Predators

• Largemouth Bass — First, it provokes explosive topwater strikes in freshwater lakes and rivers.
• Peacock Bass — Finally, it triggers violent reaction strikes in jungle canals and urban waterways.