Flymen Polarlite Changer 4/0 & #2

Overview

The Polarlite Changer is Flymen Fishing Company's version of the Polar Changer, an articulated baitfish streamer designed by Blane Chocklett. Seven articulated body segments let it swim with an S-shaped, lifelike motion, and at about 5 inches long it matches the mid-size baitfish that bass, pike, stripers and big trout eat.

The body is tied mostly from PolarLite, a light synthetic fiber. It soaks up water as soon as it hits the surface so the fly sinks into the strike zone, keeps moving between strips and even while it hangs in the water, then sheds that water on the first false cast so it casts light. Two hooks, a 4/0 up front and a #2 trailer, help with fish that nip at the tail.

How to Fish It

• Strip and pause: long strips with pauses. The fiber keeps breathing and the body keeps flexing when the fly stops.
• Swing it: in rivers, swing it across current seams for trout and smallmouth.
• Line choice: a floating or intermediate line for shallow cover, a sink-tip or sinking line to get down in lakes and deep runs.
• Short strikers: the trailing #2 hook picks up fish that hit the back half of the fly.
• Leader: a short leader of 15 to 20 lb turns it over; add a bite tippet for pike and other toothy fish.

Choosing Color and Size

White and Green & White imitate shiners, shad and other light baitfish and are the first colors to try in clear water. Olive & Yellow and Tan are natural looks for perch, chubs, sculpins and young trout. Tan & Pink adds a hint of color that works for trout and in the salt. Black gives the strongest silhouette in low light, at night and in dirty water.

Every color comes in one size, about 5 inches on a 4/0 front hook with a #2 trailing hook.