Size#8 Cricket hook at Walmart, flimsy but ok for panfish. For a stronger spoon fly I would fashion the front part connector from steel trace wire and attatch the hook which would then be a floating/loose hook with the feather tied to it for the tail.

Inspired by all of the above. How about a tube fly version. This is a first concept so go easy. Waterproof aluminum duct tape cut to closely resemble a pet spoon (or your idea). Tape and tube construction is very flexible and can be reshaped as desired. Wrapped the tape around a tube and connector. Connector takes up to a size 1 hook. Tube accepts 10lb test co poly. If desired add a cone or bead in front (Tx rig). When the tape is destroyed by the fish...all parts are reusable.

Novel idea, now for the test

Perfecting the Pet Project. Plastic Coke bottle and very little tying.

Very nice HLS thanks for posting that. The "coke bottle" looks more durable and easier to shape than the duct tape.

nearly the perfect pet.. fast and easy to make/tie and it catches fish.

"Eye" like this addition to the perfect pet

Taking advantage of the record setting flooding earlier in the year I have spent all summer fly fishing in the tailrace below the Lake Somerville dam mostly targeting hybrid stripers and whitebass. The C.O.E. in an effort to bring the lake back down to normal level has been releasing water non-stop since early June which has filled the tailrace with lots of fish.

The original Pet spoon is a very effective lure and has a long and storied past with many fishermen. But like most conventional fishing tackle the original Pet spoon isn't very "fly friendly" due to it's significant weight. This pet spoon fly is my way of adapting the action and shape of the original Pet without the weight.
I've had decent results with the pet spoon fly when the fish are actively feeding near the surface like in the early mornings and a few times when working around structure with current like bridge supports.

Sweet thread! I'll show you my attempt here in a few days!

Two updates on the pet spoon fly tie. Secure the head and tail as best you can. Build a thread block at the eye of the hook just behind the plastic and when tying down the tail, leave a little extra plastic and curl it back over itself to lock it into place because the Gar really do a number on these spoon flys..

I really like the idea of the pet spoon fly, because of the easy access to materials needed to tie it up. I may work on tying up some later today. I will be fishing sometime this week (just don't know where yet) and will be testing them if I do.

Go to YouTube and search for WBTEDRICK he recently posted a video on how to tie a spoon fly. BTW you'll see posts by him on this forum. ..he goes by hooklineandsinker.