Bodkin / Patterns

MFC's Small Arm Shrimp

Shrimp · Bonefish · Redfish · Sea Trout · Snook · Permit · Intermediate · 1 version

Reference Recipe

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

Materials

  • Bead-chain or lead dumbbell eyes Silver/lead (1 pair)
  • Craft fur or EP fibers Tan craft fur (1 small clump for body/wing)
  • Rubber legs Tan/orange rubber legs (2-4 for the 'arm' claws)
  • Krystal Flash Pearl/tan flash (few strands)
  • Mono weedguard Clear weed guard (1 loop (optional))

How to tie it

  1. Mount the hook and lash dumbbell or bead-chain eyes on top of the shank a short way back from the eye, figure-8 and locking wraps, so the fly rides hook-point-up.
  2. At the bend, tie in a sparse craft-fur tail one shank length long for the shrimp's swimming feelers, and add a few strands of Krystal Flash slightly shorter.
  3. Tie in one or two rubber legs splayed to each side just ahead of the tail to form the distinctive 'arms'; these give the fly life at rest, so keep them long and mobile.
  4. Dub or build a slim, tapered body of tan fibers forward to the eyes, keeping the profile low and shrimp-like.
  5. Bring a small pinch of tan craft fur over the top between and in front of the eyes as a low wing sloping back over the body.
  6. If desired, tie in a mono weedguard loop at the eye. Build a neat head, whip finish, and cement.

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