A Perfect Fly

The Shipman’s buzzer is an amazing fly. It was created by Dave Shipman sometime in the 1970s to target fish feeding on emerging buzzers as they struggle to break through the surface film. It’s a real modern classic, breaking with the traditional patterns that predate it and is, or was, much more of an innovative pattern than people probably realise now given the proliferation of flies that now fill that same niche.  The thing for me though is that nothing that has come since is actually an improvement on the Shipman’s, sure there may be days when another fly works better but there won’t be many, and I strongly suspect a lot of the difference in results could well be down to other things like leader visibility, fatigue or some other factor.

The Shipman’s buzzer is a perfect fly. It does its intended job very well indeed and it also works a treat as a more generic imitation, fish feeding on emerging pond olives? They’ll probably eat a size 14 or 16 olive Shipman’s. Fish switching on to an unexpected fall of wee black terrestrials? They’ll probably eat a wee black Shipman’s.  Pretty much any insect in the surface film can be imitated by the Shipman’s buzzer. It also works a treat sunk, obviously it’s not one for when you want a buzzer that will sink quickly, but in the top foot it can be immensely effective.  Efficacy however, is not what makes it perfect, it’s only part of the picture. It’s also a quick, simple tie that is easy to vary by size or colour and it will last for plenty of fish before needing to be replaced.  It’s pretty much as good as it gets for a specific or generic stillwater surface fly.

The Shipman’s Buzzer

Hook: FM all purpose medium/all purpose light, Kamasan B170/B400 or similar 10-18

Thread: 8/0 to match or contrast the body colour

Breathers: White poly yarn or antron yarn

Body: Seal fur

Rib: Pearl tinsel.  

That’s it, just mix and match the colours and sizes to suit your location. I believe the original was tied with gold tinsel and that or silver will also work well, but the pearl ribbed version here has become pretty much the standard pattern. The only thing to think about really, is making sure you get the balance of dubbing right. Too little and it won’t support the weight of the hook in the film, but overdress it and you end up with a lump that doesn’t let the light pass through and it won’t be nearly as effective. You can use other materials for the body, but you’ll not find one that’s better than seal fur. Some folk like a suspender Shipman’s, but I’m less keen on them or CDC versions. 

In a world of hoppers, midases and all the rest don’t forget the good old Shipman’s Buzzer, it’s simply perfect.