MFC Hollow Bunker Fly

The MFC Hollow Bunker Fly solves a common problem for anglers chasing big predators. You often need a large fly to match the size of the baitfish, but large flies can be heavy and hard to cast. This pattern uses a special tying technique called the "hollow tie" to create a wide profile without adding extra weight. It mimics the shape of large meals like menhaden or shad while remaining light enough to throw all day. This is a must-have pattern for your saltwater or freshwater streamer box when targeting fish looking for a substantial meal.

What It Imitates

This fly imitates deep-bodied baitfish such as peanut bunker, adult menhaden, herring, and shad. The hollow tying method flares the materials outward to create the illusion of a tall, wide body. This profile matches the silhouette of these baitfish perfectly without needing bulky layers of material.

How To Use It

Fish this fly with a strip-pause retrieve. The hollow construction allows the materials to flare out when you pause, which makes the fly "breathe" in the water like a dying fish. It works best on an intermediate sinking line or a sink-tip line to get it down into the strike zone. Use long strips to imitate a fleeing baitfish or short, sharp strips to trigger aggressive strikes from following predators. It is excellent for casting into bait balls or working along sod banks and drop-offs.

When To Use It

Tie this pattern on when you see large baitfish in the water or when fish are ignoring smaller offerings. It shines during the fall run for striped bass when peanut bunker are prevalent. It is also a great choice for cloudy days or low-light conditions because its large profile pushes water and creates a silhouette that predators can easily track. Use it in both saltwater for stripers and bluefish, or in freshwater for pike and musky.

Why We Like It

We like the MFC Hollow Bunker because it casts like a small fly but fishes like a big one. The reverse-tied bucktail sheds water instantly on the backcast, so you are not fighting water weight. It maintains its wide shape in the water instead of collapsing, which ensures it always looks like a real meal to a hungry fish.

Comparisons

MFC Hollow Bunker vs Lefty's Deceiver: The Lefty's Deceiver is a sleek fly that cuts through the water with a teardrop shape. It sinks faster and has less water resistance. The Hollow Bunker has a much wider head and body profile that pushes more water and stays higher in the water column. Choose the Deceiver for deeper water or fast currents, and choose the Hollow Bunker when you need a large silhouette to match wide baitfish.

MFC Hollow Bunker vs EP Peanut Butter: The EP Peanut Butter uses synthetic fibers, while the MFC Hollow Bunker typically uses natural bucktail. The synthetic fibers of the EP fly are more translucent and shed water even better, but they can sometimes tangle after a few fish. The bucktail on the Hollow Bunker has a natural action that breathes better on the pause. If you want maximum durability and translucency, try the EP. If you want the best possible movement and action, stick with the Hollow Bunker.

MFC Hollow Bunker vs Clouser Minnow: The Clouser Minnow is a jigging fly with heavy lead eyes designed to dive fast and bounce off the bottom. The Hollow Bunker is a swimming fly that is neutrally buoyant. You fish the Clouser with a vertical jigging motion, while you fish the Hollow Bunker with a horizontal swimming retrieve. Use the Clouser for deep holes and bottom structure, and use the Hollow Bunker for suspending fish or shallow flats.