Tie the Rizzler: A Killer Musky Fly by Tim O’Connor

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At Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co., we’re always on the hunt for the next big thing in musky flies—something that solves a problem, elevates the game, and gets results. Enter The Rizzler, a weighted, articulated bulkhead fly designed by our very own Tim O’Connor. If you’ve been reaching for a River Pig when you need to get deeper, it’s time to add another weapon to your arsenal. The Rizzler doesn’t just sink—it falls with precision, kicking side-to-side on the strip and maintaining that irresistible bulkhead movement we all love. In this tutorial, Tim walks through the step-by-step process of tying the Rizzler and breaks down why it deserves a spot in your box.

Why the Rizzler?

Most weighted flies sacrifice some of that natural movement we crave in unweighted patterns. The Rizzler changes the game. Unlike other sinking flies that dive nose-first, this one descends level and balanced, keeping you in the strike zone longer and making it a lethal option for muskies lurking at depth. Whether you’re fishing intermediate lines, sink tips, or full sink setups, this fly delivers a controlled, consistent drop and a side-to-side action that triggers aggressive eats.

Key Features:

• Weighted & Articulated – Built to get down deeper without losing fluid movement.

• Balanced Fall – Unlike a River Pig, the Rizzler doesn’t nose-dive; it sinks with control.

• Rear Hook Option – A solid #5 welded ring on the back shank lets you quickly add a rear hook with a split ring if needed.

• Perfect Size – At 8 inches, it’s big enough to entice trophy muskies but compact enough for controlled depth presentations.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step, here’s your materials checklist:

• Hooks: PR 376A jig hook for the front, optional rear hook with split ring

• Shanks: (2) 28mm Monster Shanks

• Thread: 210 denier flat waxed (white or color of choice)

• Weight: Lead or brass dumbbell eyes (adjust to desired sink rate)

• Tail: Bucktail, Renetti Head-to-Tail Baitfish Fiber, Flashabou

• Body: Bulkhead-style deer hair head with supporting bucktail stacks

• Connection: Wire or articulated shank

• Finishing Touches: UV resin, super glue, head cement

Step-By-Step Tying Instructions

Step 1: Rear Shank Foundation

Start by securing a 28mm Monster Shank in the vise. Attach a #5 welded ring to the back, allowing for an optional rear hook. Close off the shank with thread wraps and lock everything down with super glue.

Step 2: Building the Tail

Tie in a small prop of Clauser-grade white bucktail at the back of the shank. This will help support the synthetic tail material. Next, add a tapered section of Renetti Head-to-Tail Baitfish Fiber for length and movement. Secure with additional thread wraps and a touch of super glue.

Step 3: Stacking the Bucktail

Tim uses three stacked layers of bucktail on the rear shank, gradually increasing the density and butt length with each stage. The first stacks should be light, transitioning to longer, hollower fibers for a full-bodied taper.

Step 4: Connecting the Front Hook

Attach another 28mm Monster Shank to the rear section using articulated wire or a split ring. Secure the connection with thread wraps and super glue for durability.

Step 5: Front Hook & Weighted Eyes

Place the PR 376A jig hook in the vise and attach the front shank. Wrap thread fully over the connection point to prevent metal-on-metal wear. Position your lead or brass dumbbell eyes slightly back from the hook eye—this ensures the fly maintains a balanced fall.

Step 6: More Bucktail & Flash

Continue stacking bucktail, following the same gradual tapering technique. Introduce a layer of wavelength flash before transitioning to the chartreuse bucktail head.

Step 7: Final Bulkhead & Trimming

The last two stacks should be the stiffest bucktail fibers to ensure water displacement. Shape the bulkhead-style head with curved scissors and lock it all in with UV resin and super glue.

Fishing the Rizzler

The Rizzler is all about versatility. Fish it on a full sink line when you need to get deep, an intermediate tip for that controlled depth, or even a floating line with a long leader for more subtle presentations. With its side-to-side kick, balanced fall, and lifelike action, this fly keeps muskies engaged and committed. Whether you’re fishing deep structure, river ledges, or slow-moving pools, the Rizzler gives you an edge when big fish demand something different.

Give It a Shot!

Tying your own flies is one of the most rewarding parts of the musky game, and the Rizzler is a must-have addition to your fly box. If you’re ready to tie it up and put it to the test, check out our full tutorial video and let us know how it fishes for you!