Bodkin / Patterns

Cathy's Fleeing Crab

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

Reference Recipe

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

Materials

  • Eyes Black ostrich herl (Heavy lead dumbbell)
  • Tail Tan and rust (two-tone) (Marabou, two colors)
  • Flash Pearl flashabou (A few strands Krystal Flash)
  • Legs Barred tan tipped fire-orange (Silli Legs, 2-3 pairs)
  • Body Tan carapace (EP fibers or crab dubbing)

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and bind a heavy lead dumbbell a third of a shank back from the eye so the fly rides hook-up.
  2. At the bend, stack two contrasting marabou clumps for a mobile tail, with a few strands of pearl flash over the top.
  3. Figure-8 two to three pairs of barred Silli Legs along the shank so they splay out; the fire-orange tips act as a subtle trigger.
  4. Build a flat, oval crab body of EP fibers or dubbing around the shank and over the eyes.
  5. Trim the body to a low, carapace-like disc so it sinks flat.
  6. Whip finish at the eye and add a drop of cement to the wraps.

Tying videos

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