Bodkin / Patterns

Diving Crab

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

Reference Recipe

  • Hook Standard saltwater/flats hook, 1-4
  • Thread Tan or olive 140 denier

Materials

  • Eyes Black ostrich herl (Lead dumbbell (on the hook-point side to flip point-up and dive))
  • Claws Tan/olive carapace (Two splayed marabou or craft-fur tips with flash)
  • Legs Barred rubber legs (3 pairs rubber legs)
  • Body Tan/olive carapace (Spun and trimmed wool/EP or trimmed deer hair carapace)
  • Weedguard Mono (Single or double loop (optional))

How to tie it

  1. Start thread and lash the lead dumbbell eyes near the bend on the hook-point side so the fly dives point-up.
  2. At the rear tie in two splayed claws with a few strands of flash between them.
  3. Bind in three pairs of rubber legs across the shank with figure-8s so they splay to the sides.
  4. Spin or dub a flat, oval body over the shank and trim it to a compressed crab carapace.
  5. Set a mono weedguard at the eye if fishing structure, and darken or bar the shell with marker if desired.
  6. Whip finish at the eye and cement.

Tying videos

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