Second Fiddle Crab

Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Gamakatsu SL12S hook, 1x Short (#1 or #2)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Ultra Thread 140, Nylon, Purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Painted Lead Eyes, Small (4 mm), Fluorescent Orange/ White/ Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Epoxy Mono Crab Eyes, Yellow/ Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Estaz UV Lights Crystal Chenille, Chartreuse[/list_item]
[list_item]Senyo’s Shaggy Dub, Hot Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Tiger Barred Rabbit Strips, Black/ Orange Over Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Tarantula Hairy Legs Brush, 1″, Red/ Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Trik Fish, monofilament, 50#, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Mack Bryson of Southeastern Flyworks was kind enough to send us this pattern. He really created a great color combo – the tans/ browns mixed with fluorescent orange always grab the attention of fish looking for crab. It’s the EP Tarantula Hairy Legs Brush that puts the fly in another category. Take a closer look at the black brush – it appears to have some copper and purple flash as well. Another nice piece to the fly which may not be seen in the image is the UV Lights Crystal Chenille – this brings a chartreuse/ opalescent element to the fly. It’s a great color for antennules or the like. This fly can also be tied in green, black, and purple. Use UV Tarantula Brush in Tan as another great option.

Most variations of Mack’s Second Fiddle Crab sell for $7.00. For further info on Mack and a look at more of his fly patterns, see our post on Southeastern Flyworks.

Target Species

Redfish was the target species for this fly, however Snook, Bonefish and many other crustacean hunting species will also take this fly.

Bug’s Redfish Tickler: Orange & Tan

Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Gamakatsu SL12S hook, 1x Short (#1 or #2)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Ultra Thread 140, Nylon, Fluorescent Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Painted Lead Eyes, Small (4 mm), Fluorescent Orange/ White/ Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Tiger Barred Rabbit Strips, Magnum, Black/ Orange Over Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Chicone’s Crusher Legs, Standard, Fluorescent Orange Barred[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Tarantula Hairy Legs Brush, 1″, UV Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Trik Fish, monofilament, 50#, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Mack Bryson of Southeastern Flyworks was kind enough to send us this pattern. It’s a fly pattern that can be fished as a shrimp or crab, depending on the situation. Having adaptable flies really help in minimizing the amount of flies/ gear needed for a trip. Mack ties this fly is several colors. His purple/ black color combo works well when the sun goes down. Other options for the fly might include adding mono eyes, brass eyes, etc.

Most variations of Mack’s Bug’s Redfish Tickler sell for $7.00. For further info on Mack and a look at more of his fly patterns, see our post on Southeastern Flyworks.

Target Species

Target species would include Redfish, Sea Trout, Snook, and more – Triple-Tail have also been caught with this pattern.

Bruiser Baitfish: Gray & White

Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Gamakatsu SL12S hook, 1x Short (#1 or #2)[/list_item]
[list_item]Semperfli Nano Silk thread, 12/0, Gray[/list_item]
[list_item]Select Marabou Tail, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Ice Dub, UV Callibaetis[/list_item]
[list_item]Fly Fish Food Jr Bruiser Blend dubbing, Gray[/list_item]
[list_item]Fly Fish Food Jr Bruiser Blend dubbing, Cream[/list_item]
[list_item]Hareline Oval Pupil 3D Adhesive Eyes, 1/4″, Super Pearl/ Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[list_item]Sharpie, Red (for gills)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Mack Bryson of Southeastern Flyworks was kind enough to send us this pattern. He shared with us, “Every river system and body of water holds small white baitfish. If you look at the live bait used for Snook and other backwater fish, the predominant color is white. This fly can be adapted to any situation simply by a slight variation in dubbing color. Greens and pinks have also proven effective and look really good. It’s really a universal pattern.” Mack has also caught several freshwater species on this pattern. He suggests using this pattern for just about any backwater species. For heavier variations/ options, add a tungsten bead or lead wire.

Most variations of Mack’s Bruiser Bait Fish sell for $7.00. For further info on Mack and a look at more of his fly patterns, see our post on Southeastern Flyworks.

Target Species

Target species would include Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, and really anything that eats baitfish.

Tarantula Shrimp: Olive


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Gamakatsu SC15 Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Eyes, Bead Chain, Medium, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Extra Select Craft Fur, Sand (barred w Brown Sharpie)[/list_item]
[list_item]Arctic Fox Hair, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Olive, Black Flake[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Tarantula Brush, 1.5″, Sculpin[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 1″, Root Beer[/list_item]
[list_item]Seaguar, Red Label, Fluorocarbon, 30#, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

This particular design was inspired by a mix of local patterns, all popular around the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River systems. Looks very natural, lands soft, and moves just right in the water. Perfect fly for sight fishing Redfish, Snook, or Gator (Sea) Trout. Most variations of the Tarantula Shrimp sell at $19.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target species would include Redfish and Sea Trout – Snook have fallen for this one too.

Poppin Flats Shrimp: Brown


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad S71SNP-DT (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Tan/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Foam, 1.5 mm, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Foam, 3 mm, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 3″, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 1.5″, Rust[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 1.5″, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Zebco Monofilament Eyes, 30#, Clear (gelled w Loon UV Wader Repair *)[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

This particular design was inspired by Captain Jesse’s ongoing effort to bring an effective Gurgler pattern and a shrimp pattern closer together – a realistic shrimp Gurgler was the goal. After a few years of tweaking it here and there, he finally settled on a few favorite color schemes and a set list of materials that looked and performed best. Most variations of the Poppin’ Flats Shrimp sell at $22.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

* Homemade eyes consist of Zebco 30# Clear Monofilament dipped in Loon UV Wader Repair that was mixed with Green sparkle/ flakes. The Loon UV Wader Repair is cheaper than other gels and can usually be found on sale for around $5 or so. It hardens well and is certainly good enough for making eyes. Hit the gel with a UV light to solidify and you’re good to go.

Target Species

Jesse started out testing this fly on Redfish and Sea Trout, but soon started landing Snook and baby Tarpon on it. Ladyfish in the Indian River seem to get a kick out of it also.

Flash Fur Baitfish: Gold


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Gamakatsu SC15 Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Holographic Eyes, Silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur,Extra Select, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]Craft Fur,Extra Select, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Ice Dub, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse’s inspiration behind this pattern started with discovering the Redfish’s love for a gold spoon. Once he understood their attraction to the color, he set out to create a baitfish fly that played on the same attraction. Most variations of the Flash Fur Baitfish sell at $21.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target fish for this fly is mainly Redfish, however, Jesse has landed some great Snook and Sea Trout on it as well. Works great in other colors, but is mostly tied in gold.

High Tie Ostrich Clouser: Purple


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007 Stainless Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Ostrich Herl, Purple[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, Small, Painted, Read[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

After quite a few years of fishing Clousers, it didn’t take long before Captain Jesse was searching for a way to use the material as a weedless mechanism for the fly. By putting all the material on one side of the hook, the fly becomes slightly more weedless. The Ostrich does a great job in the water by providing vibration and body to the fly. Most variations of the High Tie Clouser sell at $15.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Jesse says this fly has been a killer fly for any predatory Mangrove fish such as Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, and Snapper. Flounder have been known to sip it up as well.

Crystal River Shrimp


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad S71SNP-DT (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Estaz, Medium, Root Beer[/list_item]
[list_item]Palmer Chenille, Medium, Sand[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, Micro Flash, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, Micro Flash, Copper[/list_item]
[list_item]Arctic Fox[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Orange, Black Flake[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, Small, Painted, Red[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse needed something that would look natural bouncing around the oyster bars in Ozello, FL. The colors on the fly blend in naturally and the flash draws just enough attention when stripped. Most variations of the Crystal River Shrimp sell at $16.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target fish include Redfish, Snook, and Seatrout. Snapper and many other species eat this one too.

High Tie Ostrich Clouser: Olive


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Mustad 34007 Stainless Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Bucktail, Olive[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Ostrich Herl, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Lead Eyes, Small, Painted, Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Captain Jesse indicates this fly stays weedless due to the high tie style construction and will fish anywhere you would use a regular Clouser minnow. The Ostrich does a great job in the water providing vibration and body to the fly. This fly is always in Jesse’s box! Most variations of the High Tie Clouser sell at $15.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Jesse says target species would include, “FISH! Everything eats this fly!” Clousers are a very popular and a proven fly pattern. With a reasonable color and some great materials, a Clouser is definitely a closer for numerous species!

Redfish Lunch and Dinner: Root Beer


Recreate fly patterns at home! Materials used in making this fly have been included below. Always keep in mind your local fly-fishing store will most likely have the materials referenced, and typically for less. Materials can also be found at Amazon or any other major on-line resource.

Fly-Tying Materials

[list]
[list_item]Gamakatsu SC15 Hook (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]Danville 210 Thread, Nylon, Flat Wax, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]Eyes, Bead Chain, Medium, Silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, Select, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]UV Polar Chenille, Root Beer[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Tarantula Brush, 1″, Brown[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Foxy Brush, 1.5″, Rusty[/list_item]
[list_item]Seaguar, Red Label, Fluorocarbon, 40#, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]ZAP-A-GAP[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

If any fly has it all, Cpatain Jesse says this is it! The bulky head pushes just the right amount of water, the marabou tail wiggles like nobody’s business, and the colors are just right to get Redfish fired up! Most variations of the Redfish L&D sell at $17.00 for three. For further info on Jesse and a look at more of his fly patterns, see Flies by Backwater Fly Fishing.

Target Species

Target species would include, “Redfish!!! Snook, Seatrout, and baby Tarpon have all fallen for this one too.”