Definition

Noun: An artificial fishing lure designed to imitate a small baitfish or other aquatic prey. It is characterized by having long, flowing materials (the "streamers") attached to its shank that extend backward past the bend of the fishhook. These materials create lifelike movement in the water when retrieved.

Usage

A "streamer fly" is used in fly fishing. The angler casts it onto or into the water and retrieves it with strips of the line to make the fly swim and dart, mimicking a fleeing or injured fish to attract predatory species like trout, bass, or pike. - He tied a new streamer fly with marabou feathers and flashy tinsel. - For big river trout, try fishing a weighted streamer fly near the bottom.

Advanced Usage

• "To strip a streamer": Refers to the specific retrieval technique used with a streamer fly, involving short, sharp pulls on the fly line to impart an erratic swimming action.
  • The guide instructed us to strip the streamer quickly to trigger a strike.

Variants and Related Words

• Streamer (noun): A common shortened, informal form for "streamer fly."
  • That black streamer is very effective in murky water.
• Bucktail (noun): A specific type of streamer fly traditionally tied using hair from a deer's tail.
• Woolly Bugger (noun): A very popular and versatile pattern of streamer fly, often tied with a marabou tail and chenille body.

Synonyms

• Baitfish imitation
• Wet fly (Note: "Streamer" is generally considered a sub-category of wet flies, which are designed to sink and be fished below the surface.)

Related Phrases

• "To throw streamers": Slang in fly fishing meaning to fish primarily or aggressively with streamer flies.
  • When the water is high, it's a good time to throw streamers.
• "Streamer season": A period, often in fall or spring, when conditions are considered optimal for streamer fly fishing.

Noun

1. an artificial fly that has wings extending back beyond the crook of the fishhook