Bumpin Bunny Fly

The Bumpin Bunny Fly is a premier pattern for anglers targeting snook, tarpon, and largemouth bass. Designed by Brandon Alexander, this fly solves the problem of combining a realistic baitfish profile with maximum movement. It features a long rabbit strip tail that pulses in the water and a synthetic head that pushes water to alert predators. This fly earns its spot in your box by being versatile enough for both saltwater beaches and freshwater lakes.

What It Imitates

This pattern mimics small baitfish such as mullet, pilchards, or peanut bunker. The synthetic head creates the broad shoulders of a prey fish, while the rabbit fur tail replicates the swimming motion of a struggling minnow.

How To Use It

Fish this fly with a variety of retrieves depending on the mood of the fish. For aggressive predators, use a fast stripping cadence to make the fly look like it is fleeing in panic. If fish are lethargic or following without committing, pause your retrieve. The rabbit strip tail will continue to breathe and undulate even when the fly is sitting still, often triggering a strike during the pause. It is an excellent choice for casting tight to mangroves or sight fishing along sandy beaches.

When To Use It

The Bumpin Bunny shines in shallow to medium-depth water. Use it on the flats when sight fishing for cruising snook or tarpon. It is also a great searching pattern for bass in stained water because the bulky head pushes a pressure wave that fish can feel. White versions work well on bright days or clear sandy bottoms, while darker colors are better for low light or muddy water.

Why We Like It

We like this fly because it combines the best attributes of natural and synthetic materials. The Enrico Puglisi (EP) fiber head sheds water quickly, making it easier to cast than flies made entirely of rabbit fur. The heavy-duty Tiemco hook gives you the confidence to pull hard on large fish without worrying about bending the metal. It offers a perfect balance of durability and lifelike action.

Comparisons

Bumpin Bunny Fly vs EP Baitfish:

The EP Baitfish is made entirely of synthetic fibers, making it extremely durable and lightweight. However, it can look stiff in the water if you do not strip it constantly. The Bumpin Bunny uses a rabbit tail, which moves naturally on its own. Choose the Bumpin Bunny if you need action at slower speeds, and choose the EP Baitfish if you need a specific, static profile that maintains its shape in fast currents.

Bumpin Bunny Fly vs Bunny Leech:

A standard Bunny Leech is made almost entirely of rabbit fur wrapped around the hook shank. This creates a slithering action but lacks a defined head or baitfish shape. The Bumpin Bunny adds a synthetic brush head to the rabbit tail. This gives the fly a broader profile that looks more like a fish and less like a worm or leech. Select the Bumpin Bunny when you are targeting fish that are keyed in on minnows or shad.

Bumpin Bunny Fly vs Clouser Minnow:

The Clouser Minnow is a jigging fly weighted with lead eyes, designed to dive quickly between strips. The Bumpin Bunny is a swimming fly that stays higher in the water column and suspends longer during pauses. Use the Clouser Minnow for dredging deep channels or drop-offs. Switch to the Bumpin Bunny for fishing shallow flats, over grass beds, or when you want a horizontal presentation that hovers in the strike zone.