Hollow Fleye

Hollow Fleye – Legendary Hollow-Tied Baitfish Fly

The Hollow Fleye, created by legendary fly innovator Bob Popovics, remains one of the most effective large-profile baitfish patterns ever introduced to saltwater fly fishing. Built using Popovics’ revolutionary Hollow Tie method, this fly achieves a massive, lifelike silhouette without excessive bulk—allowing it to cast smoothly, track cleanly, and swim with remarkable realism.

The Hollow Fleye excels at imitating large, fleshy baitfish such as bunker (menhaden), herring, mackerel, mullet, and other forage species. Its hollow-tied bucktail construction creates a natural taper and subtle pulsation in the water, while maintaining the durability required for repeated strikes from powerful saltwater predators.

From Northeast striped bass and bluefish to false albacore, snook, redfish, and tarpon, the Hollow Fleye has earned a permanent place in serious saltwater fly boxes worldwide. Neutrally buoyant in the water column, it hovers and breathes like an injured baitfish—often triggering explosive strikes when other patterns fall short.

Each Hollow Fleye from Merrimack River Flies is hand-tied in the USA using premium materials to honor Popovics’ original design and performance standards. Whether you’re casting to blitzing stripers, swinging through rips, or probing structure for trophy fish, this fly delivers unmatched profile, motion, and fish-catching confidence.

Hollow Fleye Features

• Original Hollow Tie design by Bob Popovics
• Large, lifelike baitfish profile with minimal casting resistance
• Imitates bunker, herring, mackerel, mullet, and similar forage
• Neutral buoyancy with natural hover and pulse
• Proven for striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, snook, redfish, and tarpon
• Hand-tied in the USA with premium materials

A true cornerstone of modern saltwater fly design, the Hollow Fleye is a must-have pattern for anglers targeting big fish feeding on big bait.