Category Archives: Fly Patterns

Featured Flies – Saltwater flies created by fly tying enthusiasts from all over the globe.

McVay’s Sili Gotcha

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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 34007SS (#6)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent shell pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Midge Flash, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Sparkle Braid, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, clear, fire tip orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Fox Tail, red[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and splash of pale pink and orange are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding Flashabou really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – many other species (i.e. Pompano, other Jacks, etc.) will also take the fly.

Mangrove Shrimp: Green

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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 34007SS (#1/0)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Monofilament, clear (0.006)[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, medium, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Senyo’s Laser Dubbing, rusty bronze[/list_item]
[list_item]Berkley 30 lb mono, clear, melted (colored w black Sharpie)[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Silky Fibers 3D, rainbow[/list_item]
[list_item]Crazy Legs, white/ barred, silver flake[/list_item]
[list_item]Peacock[/list_item]
[list_item]Flashabou, tan/ pearl[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Special thanks to Davis Brown for sharing this fly. Another great fly for fishing the backwaters of South Florida. The natural shrimp colors and various appendages (legs, eyes, antennule, etc.) are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. Be creative and change up colors.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook and Redfish – jacks many other species will also take the fly. Toss this up within two feet of the mangrove line, it’s lethal.

Pink Puffs: A must-have for Andros

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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 34007SS (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, large, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Rooster Cape, Chinchilla[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, beige[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, gold (or copper)[/list_item]
[list_item]Chenille, medium, fluorescent shrimp pink[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

The Puff is a frequent winner when fishing Andros island in the Bahamas. Puffs are very effective anywhere you find warmer skinny water. This makes it a perfect candidate for fishing South Florida too. The natural colors and splash of pale pink and orange are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Bonefish Special: Upgraded

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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 34007SS Hook (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Thread 210, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Large, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Rooster Cape, Chinchilla[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Beige[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Black/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Tinsel, Medium, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Vinyl Rib, Medium, Clear[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, Fluorescent Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Chico’s original design makes for a very effective pattern – a must-have for ever fly-box when fishing saltwater. I used his base design and added Black/ Pearl Krystal Flash for antennae. Be creative and change up colors. I also tie this fly using a deeper orange color of Marabou. Add Sili Legs maybe. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – many other species (i.e. Pompano, other Jacks, etc.) will also take the fly.

Shrimpy Dink: Orange & White

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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 34007SS (#8)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent red[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, small, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Life Flex, white (Sharpie orange tips)[/list_item]
[list_item]Badger, small[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, copper[/list_item]
[list_item]Ice Dub, UV shrimp pink[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and splash of pale orange are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Shrimpy Dink: Pink & White

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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 34007SS (#8)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent pink[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, small, gold[/list_item]
[list_item]Life Flex, white (Sharpie fluorescent pink tips)[/list_item]
[list_item]Arctic Fox Fur, white[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Senyo’s Laser Dub, pale pink[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Another great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and splash of pale pink are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Merkin Crab: Pinching

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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 34007SS (#8)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, fluorescent red[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, medium, black[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, orange/ barred, orange flake (knotted)[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb mono, clear, melted (dipped in Sally Hansen’s Black nail polish)[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, beige[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, pale olive minnow (across)[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, black/ pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb mono, clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

I find so many creative ways to build claws for crabs. One way I find so realistic is the effect you get from tying silicone legs together. It not only builds the bulk up in the middle of the legs, but it has a natural look when the claws splay open. The authentic look of a crab really makes it a great fly for fishing South Florida and Caribbean flats. The natural colors and variety of orange are perfect for attracting all crustacean eating predators. As always, adding a splash of crystal flash really gives the fly some life. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – many other species will also take the fly.

Hourglass Merkin Crab Fleeing: Criss-Crossing EP Fiber

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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 34007SS Hook (#8)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Medium, Black[/list_item]
[list_item]Sili Legs, Clear/ Black Pepper, Copper Flake[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Orange[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Red[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb Mono, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Classic Merkin Crabs can be somewhat intricate to tie, especially when you have several bundles of EP resisting you with every turn of thread. Tying in rubber legs can even be tedious. The Hourglass Merkin crab is an original design, made to tie quickly and easily. It offers a flatter body which can be trimmed to your own specs and “fleeing” legs which are simply bundled and wrapped to the hook shank. Tie color combos that resemble your indigenous crab species.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – many other species will also take the fly.

Shrimpy Dink: Grey & White

Posted on by
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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 34007SS Hook (#4)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC 210 Thread, Fluorescent Red[/list_item]
[list_item]Brass Eyes, Medium, Nickel[/list_item]
[list_item]Rabbit, under-fur, Grizzly (dubbed)[/list_item]
[list_item]Marabou, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Silver[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Black/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Arctic Fox, White[/list_item]
[list_item]Sally Hansen Hard As Nails, Hardener, Clear (#2103)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

I wanted to create a shrimp fly with neutral tones and contrast them with dark colored antennae. Figured this would work very well in the warm waters of South Florida and the Caribbean – white patterns always produce fish here. Added the red nose for attention. Shrimp patterns allow for so much creativity.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Bonefish and Permit – jacks and many other species will also take the fly.

Crystal Minnow: Chartreuse

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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 Hook 34007SS (#8)[/list_item]
[list_item]UTC Thread 210, Tan[/list_item]
[list_item]Bead Chain Eyes, Medium, Gold[/list_item]
[list_item]EP Fibers, Pale Olive Minnow[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, Black/ Pearl[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash, UV Herring Back[/list_item]
[list_item]Krystal Flash Chenille, Medium, Chartreuse[/list_item]
[list_item]Ande 40 lb Monofilament, Clear (weed guard)[/list_item]
[/list]

Design Inspiration & Detail

Having a few Crystal Minnows in the fly-box is always a good idea – it’s a perfect rendition of a small baitfish fly that never fouls. This makes it very easy to fish. So far the fly has produced well in the backwaters of South Florida. Use white/ pinks/ peach/ chartreuse and various other pale colors with a little mirror crystal flash. Be creative and change up colors. Options for upgrading the pattern are endless.

Target Species

This particular fly was designed to attract Snook and Redfish – jacks many other species will also take the fly.