Bodkin / Patterns

BV Mantis Shrimp

Crab · Permit · Bonefish · Redfish · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard saltwater flats hook, 2-6
  • Thread Tan 6/0

Materials

  • Eyes Black ostrich herl (Bead-chain, mounted for hook-up ride)
  • Tail / antennae Tan carapace (Fox or craft fur plus flash)
  • Mouth / claws Ginger / tan material (Rabbit dubbing)
  • Legs Orange and brown rubber legs (Silicone rubber legs)
  • Body Tan carapace (Laser Dub)
  • Weed guard (optional) n/a (Mono loop)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and lash bead-chain eyes under the shank near the front so the fly rides hook-point up over grass.
  2. At the bend tie in a tan fox or craft-fur tail with a few strands of flash for antennae, about one shank length long.
  3. Dub a short ball of ginger rabbit at the tail base to suggest the mantis's mouth/claws.
  4. Figure-8 two or three pairs of orange-and-brown silicone legs along the shank so they splay outward.
  5. Dub a tan Laser Dub body forward around the legs to the eyes, keeping it buggy.
  6. Bring the thread ahead of the eyes, build a small head, and whip finish.
  7. Pick out the body and trim the belly flat so it settles hook-up.

Tying videos

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