The Black Bomber seems to be an adaptation of the Brown Bomber, named for boxing champion Joe Louis. The fly was probably developed in the 1920's.

Joe Aucoin of New Waterford, Cape Breton, is usually credited with creation and popularization of the Bomber series of wet flies, although Peter Cartile, a Lahave River outfitter, claimed to have originated the Black Bomber.

The Black Bomber proved to be the most popular of the Bomber series. Fluttering jungle cock sides against the pulsating black profile makes this fly appear alive in the water, yet it looks like an unworldly life form. No wonder it appeals to a curious salmon.