Bodkin / Patterns

Mantis Shrimp

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

Classic Recipe

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

Materials

  • Body EP Fibers (layered, trimmed flat)
  • Claws EP Fibers or feather (prominent)
  • Eyes Mono eyes (1 pair)
  • Legs Sili legs (sparse)
  • Antennae Monofilament or Krystal Flash (2-3)

How to tie it

  1. Mount hook, tie in burned mono eyes and 2-3 strands of antennae material at the bend. The head end of the shrimp.
  2. Tie in two prominent claw clumps of EP Fibers or feather just behind the eyes. Mantis shrimp are famous for those raptorial claws. Make them obvious.
  3. Build the body forward in layered EP Fiber clumps, figure-8ing each one.
  4. Add a few sparse Sili legs underneath as you go.
  5. Brush everything out and trim flat and wide. A mantis shrimp is broader and flatter than a common shrimp, more like a small lobster.
  6. Whip finish at the hook eye.

Tying videos

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