Selecting the correct fly can be the difference between catching fish and going home empty handed. Size, weight, and color all play an important role when it comes to feeding fish.
Having flies on hand that mimic the bait present in a given area greatly increases your odds of hooking up on a fish.
Below is a table showing the most popular fly patterns by species type. This is a great resource to use when sizing a fly or needing to pick up materials to tie the pattern.
Fly Sizes and Materials By Species
Trout
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant Tail Nymph | 10-18 | Bead: Gold Cyclops Round Lead Wire Ringneck Pheasant Tail Fibers UTC Ultra-Wire Peacock Herl | 4X-7X |
| Parachute Adams | 14-22 | White Calf Body Hair Grizzly and Brown Hackle Muskrat Gray Nature’s Spirit Fine Natural Dubbing Grizzly Saddle Hackle | 4X-6X |
| Hare’s Ear Nymph | 10-18 | Bead: Gold 7/64 .015 Round Wire Gold Ultra Wire, brassie size Pheasant tail fibers Hair’s mask and rabbit-fur dubbing | 4X-7X |
| Bead Head Caddis Nymph | 14-18 | Tungsten Bead Head Ultra Wire: Brown or Black Brown Pheasant Tail Standard Dubbing: Cream or Gray Hare’s Ice Dubbin: Brown Partridge | 4X-7X |
| Elk Hair Caddis | 10-20 | Fine Copper Wire Superfine Dubbing Brown Rooster New Hackle Natural Bull Elk Hair | 4X-7X |
| Prince Nymph | 10-18 | Bead: Gold Cyclops Round lead wire Brown and White Stripped Goose Biots Gold Ultra Wire Brown Hen Neck Long Strung Peacock Herl | 4X-7X |
| Blue Winged Olive | 18-22 | Medium Gray Hackle(Tips) Olive Rabbit Dubbing Medium Gray Rooster Hackle | 4X-7X |
| Zebra Midge | 16-22 | Silver Bead 1/16” Silver Ultra Wire,Small Black tying thread | 4X-7X |
| San Juan Worm | 14-18 | 6/0 Waxed Uni thread- Red Ultra Chenille - Red Bead (Optional) | 4X-7X |
| Black Stonefly | 6-12 | Uni 6/0 Thread - Black Pheasant Tail Black Wire - Large Ice Dub - Peacock Pheasant Tail - Black | 4X-7X |
| Kreelex | 2-8 | UTC 140 Thread - Black or White Dumbell eyes Med-Lrg MFC Kreelex Flash | 0X-4X |
| Wooly Bugger | 1-14 | 3/0 Monocord Thread -Black Lead Wire Black Marabou Brassie Sized copper wire Medium Olive Chenille Black Rooster Saddle | 0X-6X |
| Zug Bug | 14-18 | 6/0 Thread Black Lead wire Peacock Herl Silver tinsel Hen Hackle - Brown Mallard or wood duck flank feather | * 4X-7X |
| Stimulator | 4-16 | UTC 70 Deiner- Fire Orange Nature's Spirit Deer Hock X-small copper wire Elk Hair Fine Dubbing - Orange and Yellow Grizzly and Brown Neck Hackle | 4X-7X |
| Bunny Leach | 2-6 | 6/0 Black thread Gold or Silver cone Bug Eyes (Optional) Lead Wire .015-.03 Rabbit Fur Zonker Strip Rabbit Fur Dubbing | 0X-5X |
| Foam Beetle | 10-20 | 6/0 Black thread Moose Hair Peacock Herl Orange Fly Foam | 4X-7X |
- Trout can be finicky eaters, especially when targeting wild trout. They have incredible eyesight and will refuse the fly if not presented correctly and fished naturally.
- When selecting a trout fly, it is always best to focus on the various insects present in the area. There is a good chance that if there is an insect hatch, trout will be feeding on them.
- The Parachute Adams is a great all around fly because it is designed to imitate a variety of insects such as the mayfly, midge, and caddis. It is tied on size 14-22 hook using White Calf Body Hair, Grizzly Hackle, and Gray Natural Dubbing. The Parachute Adams is typically fished on 4x-7x tippet.
- When imitating Baetis Mayflies, the Blue Winged Olive fly is a very popular choice. The Blue Winged Olive is tied on small hooks ranging between size 18-22 using Gray Hackle Tips, Olive Rabbit Dubbing, and Medium Gray Rooster Hackle. This fly is fished using 4x-7x tippet size.
- If you could only have one fly in the box, it would be the Wooly Bugger. Imitating crayfish, minnows, and leeches, the Wooly Bugger is fished in rivers, ponds, and lakes with great success. Wooly Bugger fly sizes can vary from a size 1 hook all the way down to a size 14 and are tied using Lead Wire or a cone head, Black Marabou, Olive Chenille, and Black Rooster Saddle.Depending on water clarity, depth, and the size of the fish, the Wooly Bugger can be fished on 0x-6x tippet.
Steelhead
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muddler Minnow | 4-10 | Dyneema Thread (3/0 or larger) Mottled turkey Flat Gold Tinsel Copper Wire Grey Squirrel Tail Deer Hair | 0X-4X |
| Pink Nuke Egg | 6-10 | Lt Cahill Uni 6/0 Tread Egg Yarn - Steelhead Orange Egg yarn - Apricot Supreme | 2X-6X |
| Intruder | 2 or 4 | Red Uni 6/0 Thread Large Orange Nylon Line White Artic Fox Orange and Red Marabou Orange Chenille Oval Golden Tinsel- Lrg Bleached Cow Elk Black Ostrich Herl Dumb-bell eyes - Lrg | 6-15Lb |
| Otter’s Soft Milking Egg | 8-20 | White Uni 6/0 Thread Otter’s Soft Eggs 6MM Egg Yarn - Champaign | 0X-7X |
| Egg Sucking Leech | 2-6 | Pink & Black 3/0 Uni Thread Orange Bead ⅛” Marabou Blood Quills Wooly Bugger Saddle Hackle Antron Chenille - Black & Pink | 6-12Lb |
| Sucker Spawn | 8-16 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Yellow Gold Bead - ⅛” Gold Sparkle Yawn | 4X-7X |
| Hoh Bo Spey | 2 | UTC Ultra Thread 140 - Black or Red 25mm Partridge Waddington Shank UV Ice Dubbing Blue & Black Jumbo Guinea Hackle - Natural Spey Marabou Lady Amherst Quill Strands UV Krinkle Mirror Flash | 6-12LB |
| Agent Orange | 6 | 6/0 Uni Thread- Hot Orange Medium Tan Centipede Legs Body Braid Hot Orange Ultra Wire Pearl Core Braid Brown and Peacock Dubbing Hen Feather Hot Orange Bead 3/16” | 0X-3X |
| Flashback Hare’s Ear | 12-14 | Brass Bead - ⅛” Size 70 Ultra Thread Pheasant Tail Gold Oval Tinsel Hare’s Ear Dubbing Pearl Flashabou | 4X-7X |
| Steelhead Bomber | 6-8 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Chartreuse Red Calf Tail Hair Deer Hair - Natural & Chartreuse Brown Saddle Hackle White Calf Tail Hair Fluorescent Dubbing - Chartreuse | 0X-5X |
| Clouser Minnow | 8-1/0 | 6/0 White Thread Dumbell Eyes White & Olive Bucktail Gold Krystal Flash | 6-20lb |
| The Kriller | 2 | UTC 70 Thread - White Dumbell Eyes Senyo’s Laser Yarn - White Ice Dub - Blue Steelie X-Select Marabou - Fl. Blue Ep Fibers - Sky Blue Rhea Plume - Silver Doctor Blue Senyo’s Laser Dub - FL Blue Sili Legs - Pearl Large Tinsel - Pearl Ultra Wire - Blue D-Rib Medium - Clear Rabbit Strip - Blue/White Saddle Hackle - White | 6-20lb |
| Dolly Llama | 2-6 | UTC 140 Thread - Chartreuse Rabbit Strip - Charcoal, White Rabbit Fur - Charcoal Flash - Lateral Scale Cone Head | 0X-3X |
| Steelhead Liquid Wrench | 2 | Orange Slotted Tungsten Bead - 7/32” Veevus 140 Denier Thread - Hot Pink Flashbout - Pearl Blue Fox Tail - FL Orange, Hot Pink Schlappen - Fl Hot Pink | 0X-3X |
- Steelhead can be frustrating to target and require a lot of casts to be successful. Knowing what steelhead are feeding on in a particular area can help reduce the amount of time it takes to hook them.
- A great fly choice for targeting steelhead is the Muddler Minnow. Acting as a baitfish imitation, the Muddler Minnow is tied on a hook size ranging from 4-10. The fly is tied using Flat Gold Tinsel, Mottled Turkey, Copper wire, Grey Squirrel Tail, and Deer Hair. The Muddler Minnow is fished using a 0x-4x tippet.
- The Egg Sucking Leech fly acts as a double meal for a hungry steelhead. Appearing as a leech trying to eat an egg as it swims, this is a very productive streamer fly. The Egg Sucking Leech fly is tied on a hook size ranging from 2-6 using an Orange Bead, Marabou Blood Quills, Wooly Bugger Saddle Hackle, and Antron Chenille. When fishing the Egg Sucking Leech, a tippet size of 6-12lb is recommended.
Salmon
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Ghost | 6 | 8/0 Uni Thread - Black Strung Saddle Hackle - Yellow UNI Flat Embossed French Tinsel - Silver Antron Yarn - Black Streamer Hackle - White Hareline Real Fake Jungle Cock | 0X-3X |
| Lady Caroline | 1/0 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Black Fine Oval Silver Tinsel & Yellow Floss Golden Pheasant breast-feather fibers Berlin Wool - Olive & Brown Flat Gold Tinsel Gray Spey Hackle Bronze Mallard | 0X-3X |
| Hex Nymph | 6 | Uni 6/0 Thread - Tan Gray Pheasant Marabou Turkey Tail Aftershaft Pheasant feather Gold Wire - small Rabbit Dubbing - Cream Hen Saddle Feather- Grizzly Black Mono Eyes - small | 0X -3X |
| Ally’s Shrimp | 4-10 | Uni 6/0 Thread - Red Bucktail - Hot Orange Oval silver Tinsel Red & Black Floss Natural Grey Squirrel Tail Golden Pheasant Tippet Feather Soft Fibred Orange Cock Hackle | 0X-3X |
| Stoat’s Tail | 6-12 | Uni 6/0 Black Thread Oval Silver Tinsel Golden Pheasant Crest Black Floss Silk Stoat’s tail Black Cock Hackle | 0X-3X |
| Glo Bug | 10-14 | Veevus GSP White 100 Thread Plummeting Tungsten Beads - FL Orange 7/64” McFly Foam - McCheese #24 Ice Dub - UV Hot Orange | 3X-5X |
| Hairwing Flies | 4-8 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Chartreuse and Black Oval Silver Tinsel Black Bear Hair Fibers Green Squirrel Tail Chartreuse Floss Black Ostrich Herl Yellow Cock Hackle | 0X-3X |
| Snakes | 10 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - White 20Lb braid - White Rabbit Zonker - White Bead Chain Eyes Fluorescent Flashabou Krystal Hackle - Chartreuse Ice Dub - Chartreuse | 10-20lb |
| The Executioner | 10-12 | Uni 8/0 Thread Black Silver Tinsel - Small Golden Pheasant Toppings Glo-Brite #4 Holographic Silver Tinsel Fox Squirrel - Black Krinkle Flash - Gold Cock Hackle - Black Jungle Cock Cheeks | 0X-4X |
| Dobi Coho Crusher | 1 | Uni 3/0 Orange Thread Kreelex Chenille - Blue/Pink Lateral Flash Pearl Flashabou Pearl/Orange Kreelex Dark Blue Superfly ¼ Bead - Hot Orange | 15-20lb |
| Rockstar | 2 | Uni 8/0 Thread - Black Black or Nickel Cone Head Gold Flashabou Ostrich - Pink / Purple Polar Chenille - Pink / Purple | 15-20lb |
| Coho Kryptonite | 2 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - Pink Pearl Krystal Flash Large Cactus Chenille - Pink or Purple | 10-20lb |
| Chrome Magnet | 4 | UTC 140 Thread - Hot Pink Silver Wire Flashabou Holo Fuchsia Ice Dub - Pink Guinea - Fuchsia Cone - Large Silver | 10-20lb |
| Deep six | 2 | 6/0 Uni Thread - White Dazl Eyes - 7/32 Nickel Flashabou - Chartreuse/Mirage Marabou - Chartreuse and White | 10-20Lb |
| Dirk Wiggler | 2-4 | 210 Danville’s White Thread Medium Dumbbell eyes Intruder Wire Rubber Sili Legs - Black, Pink, or Purple Ice Dub Ball Schlappen Marabou - Blue, Purple, or Pink Krinkle Mirror Flash Large Eye Guinea | 10-20lb |
| Comet | 2-12 | 210 Danville’s Orange Thread Hackle - Orange Holographic Silver Tinsel Medium Bead Chain Eyes | 0X-4X |
| Cole Cook’s Big Poppa | 2-4 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Black 50lb braid - Trailer Rabbit Zonker Strip - Fuchsia Crazy Legs - Salmon Pink / Hot Pink 6MM Fly Foam - White | 15-20lb |
| Super Gee | 4-6 | Orange 6/0 Uni Thread Black Dubbing Brown Foam - 2mm Black Goose Biots Pale Orange Sparkle Dubbing Orange Krystal Flash Brown Rubber legs | 6-20Lb |
| 64 Impala | 4-6 | Orange 6/0 Uni Thread Orange Barred Black Rubber Legs Gray & Orange 2mm Foam Pearl Krystal Flash Moose Body Hair Orange Lite Brite Dubbing | 6-20Lb |
| Bullet Head Salmon Fly | 6-8 | FL Flame 6/0 Uni Thread 2mm Black & Orange Foam Black Goose Biot Orange Antron FL Red Krystal Flash Gray Calf Tail Elk Body - Black Black Rubber Legs | 6-12Lb |
| Gould’s Half-Down | 6-10 | Black 6/0 Uni Thread Peacock Herl Black Krystal Flash Opal Black 1/69 Tinsel Orange Yarn Plain Etha Wing Elk Body Hair White Widows Web Brown Hackle | 4-10Lb |
| Morningwood Special | 4-8 | Black 6/0 Uni Thread 2mm Orange Foam Black Barred Orange Sexi Floss Gray EP fibers Ripple Ice Fiber - Pearl Black & Pink Antron | 4-10Lb |
| Winged True | 6-8 | Claret 6/0 Uni Thread Shaped Plastic Wing White Widow’s Web Black Flexi Floss Claret/Orange Sparkle Dubbing | 4-10Lb |
- Salmon are incredibly beautiful fish and if timed correctly, can be abundant in numbers. During their spawning migration, salmon will feed out of agitation as they make their way up rivers and therefore are not overly picky feeders.
- The Glo Bug fly is a great fly for targeting migratory salmon. It is designed to imitate fish roe that is eaten by salmon as they head upstream. The Glo Bug is a floating fly that is easy for anglers to see, allowing them to know when they have a strike. The fly is tied on a size 10-14 hook using Orange Tungsten Beads, Mcfly foam, and Ice Dub in UV hot orange or pink. Glo bugs are typically fished using a 3x-5x tippet.
- A great fly option for targeting salmon is the Dirk Wiggler. This is a streamer fly tied on a hook size ranging from 2-4. The fly is tied using Medium Dumbbell Eyes, Intruder Wire, Sili Legs, Ice Dub Ball, Schlappen, Marabou, Krinkle Mirror Flash, and Large Eye Guinea.
Bass
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaducer Popper | 6-1/0 | Veevus GSP 100 Black Thread Double Barrel Popper Bodies Hedron Flashabou - Black Strung Saddle Hackle - Barred, Yellow Round Rubber Legs - Medium Black Marabou Strung Blood Quills - FL. Yellow, Orange, Chartreuse Fish Skull Living Eyes - Fire Size 4 | 10-25lb |
| Zudbubbler | 1-3/0 | Danville’s 100 Thread - Yellow Zudbubbler Popper Bodies - Yellow Bucktail - White SF Flash Blend - UV White Ice Dub - UV pearl Saddle Hackle - Yellow, Yellow Grizzly 5MM Fish Eyes | 15-25lb |
| Foam Popper | 2-4/0 | 6/0 Uni Red Danville Flat Waxed Thread Hackle Feathers - Olive Marabou - Olive Foam Block - Orange Stick on Eyes Silli Legs - Chartreuse barred. | 15-25lb |
| Clouser Deep Minnow | 1/0-6 | UTC 140 Denier - White Large Painted Lead Eyes - Pearl White White Bucktail Hot Pink, Chartreuse, or Olive Bucktail UV Pearl Crystal Flash | 10-25lb |
| Galloup’s Peanut Envy | 1/0-6 | Danville 210 Olive Thread Tungsten ConeHead - Large Marabou - Olive Strung Saddle Hackle - Variant Olive Ice Dub - Olive Flashabou - Olive Red Killer Caddis Bead Sili Legs - Color to match body Mason Hard Mono - 25Lb | 10-25lb |
| Double Bunny | 1/0-4 | 3/0 Uni Olive Thread Lead Wire Medium or MagnumRabbit Strips - Olive and White Flashabou or Krystal Flash Wapsi Holo Dome Eyes | 15-25lb |
| Sneaky Pete | 4-8 | 6/0 Uni Thread Waxed - Chartreuse Veevus GSP - White Denier Thread Grizzly Flutter Legs - Black Barred FL Fire Orange Ice Chenille - Medium - Black Foam Popper Head Fish Skull Living Eyes - Fire 4mm | 8-15lb |
| Murdich Slider | 2-10 | 6/0 Uni Thread - White Flashabou - Silver and Pearl Bucktail - White Ice Fur - White Pearl Estaz Grey Marker Silver or Pearl 3D eyes - size 5 | 8-15lb |
| Dahlberg Diving Bug | 2-8 | 6/0 Uni Thread - White Marabou - White Flashabou - Silver & Pearl Saddle Hackle - Grizzly Deer Hair - White & Black | 10-20lb |
| Spiller’s Diver | 1-2/0 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Black Hard Mono - 40LB Copper Tail Flash Rabbit Zonker Strip - Orange Barred & Black Foam - Black Stick on Eyes - Medium Red | 15-25lb10 |
| Whitlock’s Sheep Minnow | 4-8 | Nylon Thread - White Hackle - Yellow Variant & Grizzly Flashabou - Silver Deer Hair - Yellow, Gray, and White Holographic Eyes - Chartreuse | 10-20lb |
| Morrish Mouse | 2-6 | 3/0 Thread - Black Rabbit Strip - Brown or Black Closed Cell Foam - Black Dark Cow Elk or Deer Hair | 12-25lb |
| Lunchable Streamer | 2-8 | 140 UTC Thread - Fire Orange Lead Eyes - Medium Yellow Rabbit Strips - Barred White & Tan Laser Dub - White Sili Legs - Tan | 10-20lb |
| Shimmering Minnow | 2-6 | 6/0 Uni Thread - White Strung Marabou - White, Olive, Burnt Orange Palmer Chenille - Medium Pearl Fish Skull Fish Mask -#5 Fish Skull Living Eyes - Ice 3D Beads - White, Black, Gray, Light Olive Wire Bite - 20lb Flashabou - Pearl, Silver, Gold Gray, Blue, and Olive Marker | 10-20lb |
| Meat Whistle | 2/0-2 | UTC 140 Denier - Rusty Brown Tungsten Cone - Copper Brassie Sized UTC Ultra Wire - Copper Brown Sparkle Braid - Copper Rabbit Strips - Rusty Brown Sili Legs - Pumpkin Barred Flashabou - Copper Marabou - Brown | 15-25lb |
| Troy Basso’s Nightstalker | 2/0-2 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Black Dumbell eyes - Medium White Rabbit Zonker - Black and Purple Sili Legs - Black | 15-25lb |
| Croff’s Nervous Neda | 2/0-2 | 210 Denier Thread - Brown Rabbit Strip - Rusty Brown Palmer Chenille - Medium Pearl Rubber Legs - White Sammuel’s Articulated Steelhead shank - 40mm Foam - Brown 6mm SLF Prism Dub - Rust | 15-25lb |
| Burgin Bugger | 2-8 | Gold Bead - 5/32” Lead Wire - .02 UTC 140 Denier - Olive Marabou - Olive Krystal Flash - Gold Ultra Chenille - Olive Hackle - Grizzly Olive | 10-20lb |
| Deceiver | 2-4/0 | 3/0 Uni Thread - Chartreuse Rooster Saddle Hackle -White Krystal Flash - Pearl & Red Flashabou - Pearl Flat Silver Tinsel Bucktail - White & Chartreuse Stick on Eyes | 15-60lb |
| Tequeely | 2-8 | 3/0 Mono or UTC 140 Denier Thread - Orange or Black Gold Brass Bead - 5-32” Lead Wire - .030 Marabou - Yellow & Black Crystal Chenille - Copper - Large Cactus Chenille - Medium - Pearl Rubber legs - Medium - Yellow | 8-20lb |
| Bunny Bass Leech | 1/0-6 | Uni 6/0 Thread - Black Lead Eyes - Medium - Red (Optional) Rabbit Zonker - Magnum - Black Cross-cut Rabbit - Black | 15-30lb |
| Dahlberg Diver Frog | 2/0-2 | 6/0 Veevus Thread - White Rabbit Strip - Green or Chartreuse Deer Hair - Black & Green 30lb Monofilament Nylon Fish Skull Living Eyes - Fire | 15-30lb |
| Crazy Dad | 4-8 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Camel Brass Hourglass Eyes - Medium Sparkle Leech Dubbing - Pumpkin Sili Legs - Camel/Orange Fire Tip Bucktail or Deer Hair - Brown | 8-16lb |
| Magic Minnow | 1-0-4 | Veevus Mono Thread - 10mm Angel Hair - Pearl Green Angel Hair - FL Chartreuse Angel Hair - Peacock 3D Epoxy Eyes - 4mm | 10-25lb |
| Hot Head Damsel | 2-8 | 8/0 Uni Thread - Olive Brass Bead - Orange 3.8mm Marabou - Medium Olive Trout Line UV Ribbing Fibres - Orange Super Natural Dubbin - Olive French Partridge Hackle - Olive English Partridge Hackle - Olive | 8-20lb |
| Grim Reaper | 1-1/0 | 6/0 Veevus Thread - Black Fish Reaper Tail - Large - Black UV Polar Chenille - Black Saddle Hackle - Grizzly Flutter Legs - Purple & Black Lead Eyes - Medium Red | 15-25lb |
| Jawbreaker | 1/0-4 | 6/0 Uni Thread - White Cone head - Medium 2” Twister Tail Marabou - White Cactus Chenille - Medium- White Saddle Hackle Feather - Cream or White Copper Wire Sili Legs - Pearl or Peacock | 10-20lb |
- Bass are a popular fish to target due to the fact that they can be found in almost any fresh water area. They are known for their aggressive eats that resemble an explosion on the surface. Feeding a bass is more about getting their attention than what the fly actually looks like. Bass eat a variety of different prey and are not picky feeders.
- One of the best ways to get a hungry bass’ attention is to use a Foam Popper fly. These flies are extremely effective and give the angler the visual experience of the eat. The Foam Popper fly is tied on a 2-4/0 hook using Hackle Feathers, Marabou, Foam Block, Stick On Eyes, and Sili Legs. Bass are often staging near structure and feisty fighters, therefore the use of 15-25lb tippet is recommended.
- When fishing for bass lower in the water column, a great fly choice is the Bunny Bass Leech. Designed to imitate leeches and even small baitfish, this fly is extremely effective for targeting bass in deeper water. The Bunny Bass Leech is tied on a hook size ranging from 1/0-6 using Lead Eyes, Rabbit Zonker, and Cross-cut Rabbit strips. The recommended tippet size for this fly ranges between 15-30lb depending on the water clarity and presence of structure.
- One of the deadliest bass flies is the Deceiver. Although this fly can be used for a multitude of different species, it works incredibly well when fishing for bass. Deceiver flies vary in size and can be tied on hook sizes ranging from 2-4/0. The Deceiver is tied using Rooster Saddle Hackle, Krystal Flash, Flashabou, Flat Silver Tinsel, Bucktail, and Stick on Eyes. When using a Deceiver fly to target bass, a 15-30lb tippet is recommended.
Bonefish
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer’s Flats Crab | 4 | 3/0 Uni Thread - Olive or tan Lead Dumbbell eyes - Small Sheep Fleece, lamb’s wool, or McFly foam - Olive or Tan Burnt Mono Eyes Sili Legs - Gray | 12-20lb |
| Beck’s Sili Legs | 2-6 | UTC 140 Thread - FL. Chartreuse Lagartun French Mini Flatbraid - Pearl Krystal Flash - Pearl EP Fibers - Chartreuse Crazy Legs - Pearl/FL Orange Tipped Spirit River Dazl - Eyes | 10-17lb |
| Bone Appetite | 2-4 | 210 Denier Thread - Pale Pink Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Krystal Flash - Shrimp Pink Arctic Fox - Tan Diamond Braid - Shrimp Pink Sili Legs - Clear with Silver Flake | 10-17lb |
| Bonefish Bitters | 4-8 | Danville Flat Wax Nylon Thread - Olive Silver Bead Chain - Small EP Fiber - Olive, Brown, or Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl Sili Legs - Barred Loon UV Gel Mixed with Glitter | 10-17lb |
| Bonefish Scampi | 2-4 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - FL Fire Orange Silver Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Mylar Tubing - Medium - Pearl Flat Diamond Braid - Pearl Rabbit Zonker - Tan Craft Fur - Cream Krystal Flash - Pearl | 10-17lb |
| Bonefish Junk | 2-6 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Fire Orange Bead Chain Eyes - Silver - Medium Super Floss - Shrimp Pink & Bonefish Tan Diamond Braid - Pearl Orange Egg Yarn Melted Monofilament Eyes | 10-17lb |
| Borski Bonefish Slider | 2 | Danville Monofilament Thread Hareline Painted Dumbbell Eyes - Large - Yellow Hareline Extra Select Craft Fur - Tan Hareline Variant Neck Hackle Deer Hair - Tan | 12-20lb |
| Chernobyl Crab | 2 | Uni Mono Thread Hareline Painted Lead Eyes - Medium - Yellow Harline Bugger Hackle Patches - Grizzly Brown Hareline Extra Select Strung Marabou - Tan Hareline Premo Deer Hair Strips - Light Tan | 12-20lb |
| Chili Pepper | 4-8 | Veevus 6/0 Thread - FL Orange Beadchain Eyes - Small or Medium Flashabou - Mirage (Opal) D-Rib - Medium - Lt Gold Lateral Scale - 1/16 - Mirage Calf Tail - Orange Midge Krystal Flash - Gold | 10-17lb |
| Christmas Island Special | 1-8 | 210 Denier Thread - Pink or Orange Dumbbell Eyes - Brass Flashabou - Fluorescent Orange Craft Fur - Tan | 8-17lb |
| Crazy Charlie | 4-8 | Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Hareline Calf Tail - Pink D Rib - Clear Krystal Flash - Pink | 8-17lb |
| DL’s Stealth Fly | 4-8 | 210 Denier Thread - Tan or Brown Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Gold or Tan Rabbit Strips - FL Orange Rabbit Strips - Magnum - Tan Chicone’s Barred Micro Crusher Legs - Brown/Clear Krystal Flash - Bonefish Pink Yarn - Tan | 8-17lb |
| Ghost Shrimp | 4-6 | 6/0 Veevus Thread - Orange Nickel Eyes - Small EP Fibers - Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl Midge Flash - Pearl and Black Bonecrusher Legs - Micro - Sand EP Crab Shrimp Mono Eyes - Small - Black | 8-17lb |
| Ehlers’ Bonefish Reaper | 2-6 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Pink Painted Lead Eyes - Medium - White Krystal Flash - Bonefish Pink Hyper Flex Reaper Tail - Medium - White Marking Pen - Tan Rabbit Strips - Light Brown | 10-17lb |
| Mantis Shrimp | 2-6 | UTC 140 Thread - Tan Bead Chain Eyes - Large - Silver EP Crab/Shrimp Eyes - Small - Black Rabbit Zonker Strip - Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl/Black Craft Fur - Tan Sili Legs - Amber/Gold Flake | 10-20lb |
| Spawning Shrimp | 2-4 | 210 Denier Thread - Fl Orange Or Mono Thread Tungsten Dumbbell Eyes Grip - Nylon Blend - Orange Krystal Flash - Pearl Rabbit Zonker - Tan Craft Fur - Grizzly Tan Sili Legs - Orange or Tan Variant Burnt Monofilament Eyes | 10-20lb |
| Flats Fiend | 2-4 | 210 Denier Thread - Pink Gold Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Craft Fur - Camel Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl and Black Ultra Chenille - Tan Melted Mono Eyes - Yellow Marking Pen - Brown or Tan | 10-17lb |
| Flip Flop | 2-6 | UTC 140 Thread - FL Shell Pink Silver Bead Chain Eyes - Medium/Large Krystal Flash - Black and Copper Craft Fur - Tan Melted Mono Eyes - Orange Superfloss - Shrimp Marker - Brown and Orange | 10-17lb |
| Gotcha | 2-8 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Pink or Tan Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Mylar Tubing - Medium - Pearlescent Flat Diamond Braid - Pearl Craft Fur - Tan Krystal Flash - Gray Ghost #21 | 8-17lb |
| Kendrick’s Wooly Mantis | 2-4 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - FL Orange Double Pupil Lead Eyes - Small - FL Orange or White Pseudo Hair - Peach Senyo’s Fusion Dub - Eat a Peach & Crusty Nail EP Wooly Critter Brush - 0.5” - Tan Mason Hard Nylon - 20lb | 10-20lb |
| Kung Fu Crab | 2-4 | Lagartun X Strong 95 Denier Thread - Beige Wooly Bugger Saddle Hackle - Variant Dumbbell Eyes - 5/32 - Silver Diamond Braid - FL Shrimp Pink Rabbit Zonker - Magnum - Cream EP Fiber - Tan Loco Legs - Olive Krystal Flash - Bonefish Tan | 12-20lb |
| Meko Special | 4-8 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Pink Silver Bead Chain Eyes - 5/32 Craft Fur - Tan Krystal Flash - Gold/Pink Rug Yarn - Tan Saddle Hackle - Brown | 8-17lb |
| Mini Puff | 4-6 | UTC 140 Thread - Fire Orange Bead Chain Eyes - Silver - Medium Calf Tail - Tan Grizzly Hackle Tips Krystal Flash - Copper Ultra Chenille - Hot Orange | 10-17lb |
| Squimp | 2-6 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Cream Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Silver Craft Fur - Tan Crazy Legs - Shrimp Pink/Pearl Flake Ultra Chenille - Medium - Brown UTC Ultra Wire - Medium - Copper Krystal Flash - Pearl | 12-20lb |
| Suga Daddie | 2-6 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Pink Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Brass Ultra Chenille - Medium - Tan Craft Fur - Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl Crazy Legs - White Hackle Tips - White Marker - Gold, Black, Red | 10-17lb |
| Spawning Mantis | 2-6 | 6/0 Uni Thread - Fire Orange Bead Chain Eyes - Black - Medium Krystal Flash - Pearl Craft Fur - Tan Rabbit Fur - Flame Orange Crazy Legs - Rootbeer/Orange Tipped | 10-17lb |
| Super Swimming Shrimp | 2-4 | Uni 3/0 Thread - Gray or Brown Spirit River Prismatic Tape Eyes Calf Tail - White Krystal Flash - Orange Rubber Legs - Red/White Deer Body Hair - Rusty Brown | 12-20lb |
| Bahama Mama | 6-10 | UTC 140 Danville Thread - FL Orange Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Mini Flat Braid - FL Orange & Pearl Rabbit Fur - Tan Sili Legs - Orange/Black Krystal Flash - Pearl | 8-17lb |
- Bonefish are one of the most prized saltwater species to target on fly. These fish are often referred to as the grey ghost due to their ability to camouflage themselves over any color bottom. Bonefish have incredible eyesight and will see even the smallest flies from far away. Although bonefish are known for being spooky, they are aggressive feeders. A well placed fly to an unsuspecting bonefish rarely gets refused.
- The Bonefish Scampi is a popular bonefish fly as it closely imitates a small crustacean. The Bonefish Scampi is tied on a hook size ranging from 2-4 and is made using Silver Bead Chain Eyes, Mylar Tubing, Pearl Diamond Braid, Krystal Flash, Rabbit Zonker, and Craft Fur. The recommended tippet size is 10-17lb due to the great visibility of bonefish.
- Borski’s Bonefish Slider is a great bonefish fly in the Florida Keys and Caribbean. The Bonefish Slider has the ability to imitate both a shrimp and crab depending on how it is fished. Borski’s Bonefish Slider is tied on a size 2 hook and made using Dumbbell Eyes, Craft Fur, Variant Neck Hackle, and Deer Hair. Since this fly larger than typical bonefish flies, the recommended tippet size is 12-20lb.
- Bonefish feed heavily on shrimp as a main source of their diet. An effective bonefish shrimp fly is the Ghost Shrimp. The Ghost Shrimp is tied on a hook size ranging from 4-6 and is tied using Small Nickel Eyes, EP Fibers, Krystal Flash, Bonecrusher Legs, and EP Shrimp Mono Eyes. The recommended tippet size when using a Ghost Shrimp is 8-17lb.
Permit
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Permit Fly | 2 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Tan Dumbbell Eyes - 3mm - Gold or Silver Hard Mono - 20lb Stainless Steel Beads - 2.8mm Arctic Fox - Yellow/Orange Krystal Flash - Wine Hareline Grizzly Barred Rubber Legs - Medium - Orange Diamond Braid - Pearl Marabou - Tan Rabbit Zonker - Tan | 12-20lb |
| Doug McKnight ER Crab | 2-1/0 | Flat Wax Nylon Thread - Tan Lead Wire - 0.20 Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium Wooly Bugger Marabou - White Krystal Flash - Pearl Rooster Hackles - Grizzly Round Rubber Legs - White Fury Foam - White | 12-20lb |
| Danger Muffin Crab | 2-4 | Flat Wax Nylon Thread - White Lead Wire - 0.20 Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium Rabbit Fur - Tan and White Deer Hair - Bleach and Brown Furry Foam - White Crab Claws - White Ultra Micro Chenille - Tan and White | 12-20lb |
| Cathy’s Fleeing Crab | 2-6 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - FL Green Dumbbell Eyes - 5/32” - Silver Marabou - Rust/Tan Flashabou - Pearl EP Fibers - Tan Sili Legs - Hot Tipped | 12-20lb |
| Sargasso Crab Fly | 2 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Tan Melted Mono Eyes - Tan Crystal Flash - Pearl Chocones Crusher Legs - Barred Brown Knotted EP 3D Silky Fiber - Sand EVA Foam - 2mm - White Sharpie - Marigold | 12-20lb |
| EP Tarantula Crab | 2 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - FL Green Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium EP Fiber - Brown EP Streamer Brush - Orange Krystal Flash - Black Buggy Nymph Legs - Rootbeer EP Crab Claws - Tan Mono Eyes - Natural EP Tarantula Brush - 1” - Brown | 12-20lb |
| EP Spawning Shrimp | 1/0-8 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - Orange Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Gold Arctic Fox - Orange Loco Legs - Tan Krystal Flash - Black Senyo’s Laser Yarn - Hot Pink EP Shrimp Dub Brush - Tan Mono Eyes - Orange | 12-20lb |
| Flexo Crab | 2 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - Tan Flexo-Cord - ¼” - Tan Lead Eyes - Medium - Silver EP Crab/Shrimp Eyes - Small - Amber Ultra Chenille - Standard - Tan Sharpie - Tan & Orange | 12-20lb |
| Fat Boy Crab | 2 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - FL Green Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Silver Marabou - Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl Sili Legs - Tan/black Barred EP Invader Brush - Tan | 12-20lb |
| Grand Slam Crab | 1/0-2 | Danville’s 210 Flat Waxed Nylon Thread - Chartreuse Green Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Brass Marabou - Grizzly Polar Flash - Pearl Mono Eyes - Natural 20Lb Mono Tungsten Beads - 5mm EP Fiber - Sand Sili Legs - Tan | 12-20lb |
| Permit Crab | 1/0-2 | Uni Mono Thread Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Yellow Life Flex Legs - Yellow EP Crustaceous Brush - 1.5” - Sand Grizzly Marabou - Tan | 12-20lb |
| Rag Head Crab | 2-6 | 210 Denier Flat Waxed Thread - Chartreuse Dumbbell Eyes - 5/32 - Yellow Woolly Bugger Saddle Hackle - Variant Tan Felt Round Rubber Legs - White Krystal Flash - Bonefish Tan | 10-17lb |
| Rio’s Shrimp Tease | 1/0-6 | 210 Denier Thread - FL Orange EP Shrimp Dub Brush - Clear Mono Eyes - Black Chicone Crusher legs - Brown/Clear & Pink/Clear Craft Fur - Tan Sharpie - Yellow Gold | 12-20lb |
| Sandy’s Cracked Crab | 2-6 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - FL Chartreuse Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium Hen Cape Feathers - Grizzly Cactus Chenille - Pearl Mono Eyes - Large - Black EP Fiber - Sand | 12-20lb |
| Del’s Merkin | 2-4 | UTC 140 Denier Thread - FL Green Brass Dumbbell Eyes - Medium Saddle Hackle - Grizzly Flashabou - Pearl EP Fiber - Sand Round Rubber Legs - White Sharpie - Red | 12-20lb |
| Strong Arm Merkin | 2 | Cascade 210 Denier Thread - Cream Lead Dumbbell Eyes - X-Small Ultra Chenille - White Rabbit Fur - White Sparkle Yarn - White & Cream Saddle Hackle - White/Cream Sili Legs - Clear with Orange Tip & Olive Sharpie - Orange / Olive | 12-20lb |
| Veverka’s Mantis Shrimp | 2-6 | UTC 140 Thread - Tan Bead Chain Eyes - Large - Silver EP Crab/Shrimp Eyes - Small - Black Rabbit Zonker Strip - Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl/Black Craft Fur - Tan Sili Legs - Amber/Gold Flake | 10-20lb |
- Permit are undoubtedly one of the most difficult fish to catch on fly. They have the ability to pick up your fly and spit it back out before you even know what happened. Fishing for permit will test any anglers skills, so having the right fly is a must.
- The Rag Head Crab is the most effective fly pattern when fishing in Mexico and Belize. The Rag Head Crab is tied on a hook size ranging from 2-6 and is tied using Dumbbell Eyes, Wooly Bugger Saddle Hackle, Tan Felt, Round Rubber Legs, and Krystal Flash. They are extremely line shy, therefore the recommended tippet size for fishing the Rag Head Crab is 10-17lb.
- A popular permit fly when fishing the Florida Keys is the Strong Arm Merkin. The Strong Arm Merkin is tied on a size 2 hook and uses Lead Dumbbell Eyes, Ultra Chenille, Rabbit Fur, Sparkle Yarn, Saddle Hackle, and Sili Legs. The recommended tippet size for fishing a Strong Arm Merkin is 12-20lb.
- When permit are feeding higher in the water column, they will typically be eating shrimp. In these instances a fly is needed that has a slower sink rate and imitates a shrimp. The EP Spawning Shrimp fly is a great option when fishing for permit. The Spawning Shrimp is tied on a hook size ranging from 1/0-6 and uses Dumbbell Eyes, Arctic Fox, Loco Legs, Krystal Flash, Laser yarn, EP Shrimp Dub Brush, and Mono Eyes. Similar to other permit flies, the recommended tippet size is 12-20lb.
Tarpon
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Toad | 1-0-3/0 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - Chartreuse Rabbit Zonker - Chartreuse Krystal Flash - FL Chartreuse Cross Cut Rabbit Strip - Yellow Mono Eyes - Medium - Black EP Fibers - Green Chartreuse | 30-60lb |
| Cockroach | 1-3/0 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - Red Schlappen Hackle - Natural Grizzly Rabbit Strips - Natural Gray Bucktail - Brown Saddle Hackle - Grizzly Krystal Flash - Grey Ghost | 30-60lb |
| Tarpon Slider | 1-0-3/0 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - Olive Ice Dub - UV Hot Orange Craft Fur - Sand EP Foxy Brush - 1.5” - Tan Saddle Hackle - Natural Variant Mono Eyes - Olive Elk Hair - Cream | 30-60lb |
| Mcknight’s Homeslice | 1/0-3/0 | Danville 210 Denier Thread - Pink Marabou - Tan & White Hard Mason - 16lb Fox Tail - Tan Rooster Neck - Bleach Grizzly Krystal Flash - UV Tan Mono Eyes - Medium - Black | 40-60lb |
| EP Peanut Butter | 1-4/0 | 6/0 Clear Monofilament Thread EP Sparkle Fibers - Red EP Fibers - Black & Purple 3D Eyes - Large | 30-80lb |
| Black Death | 1-3/0 | Danville’s 3/0 Monocord - Waxed Strung Chinese Rooster Saddle - Red & Black Rabbit Fur - Black Prismatic Tape Eyes | 30-60lb |
| Schmidt’s Gurgler | 2-2/0 | Uni 3/0 Thread - Black Rabbit Strip - Purple Rubber Round Legs - Black Krystal Flash - Purple Estaz - Purple Saddle Hackle - Purple Foam - 4mm - Black | 30-60lb |
| Tarpon Bunny | 1/0-3/0 | Danville’s 6/0 Thread - Black or Chartreuse Hard Mono - 20lb Rabbit Strip - Black, Purple, or Chartreuse Mono Eyes - Medium - Black | 30-60lb |
| Foam Palolo | 1-2/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - Tan or Chartreuse Ultra Chenille - Medium - Tan Fly Foam - 3mm - Red Hard Mono - 20lb | 30-60lb |
| Giacobba’s Skrimp | 1-2/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Brown Bead Chain Eyes - XLrge - Black Estaz - Amber Orange Craft Fur - Tan Dry Fly Rooster Neck - #2 EP Minnow Head Brush - 1.5” - Shrimp Tan | 30-60lb |
| Dragon Tail | 2/0-6/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Black or Chartreuse Mangum’s UV2 Dragon Tail - Chartreuse or Black EP Craft Fur Brush - Olive/Orange or Purple Senyo’s Laser Dub - Red Holo Super Adhesive Eyes - 5-16” | 40-80lb |
| Tarpon Shrimp | 1-3/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Hot Orange Craft Fur - Tan Hard Mono - 30lb Krystal Flash - Rootbeer Sili Legs - Tan Krystal Chenille - Tan Finnish Racoon - Yellow Marker - Brown | 30-60lb |
| Tarpon Tapas | 1/0-3/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Tan Craft Fur Dubbed - Tan Craft Fur - Orange | 30-60lb |
| Game Changer | 1-3/0 | UTC 210 Thread - White Articulated Fish Spines - 10mm Fish Skull Living Eyes - 8.5mm - Ice Strung Marabou - White Chocklett’s Finesse Body Chenille - Large - Clear Wire Tippet - 30lb | 30-60lb |
| Guido Shrimp | 1-2/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Tan EP Tarantula Brush - 1” - Tan Fly Foam - 2mm - Tan Craft Fur - Sand Mono Eyes - Black Marker - Tan & Red | 30-60lb |
| Enrico’s Tarpon Streamer | 1/0-6/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Black Sparkle Dub Brush - Red EP Fiber - Purple & Black/ 3D ds/s;cStick on Eyes - Large | 40-80lb |
- Tarpon are one of the oldest fish in the ocean and therefore are quite smart. Prized as one of the best saltwater gamefish, the tarpon has incredible size, strength, and acrobatics. There are not many fish of its size that will air completely out of the water.
- Tarpon have great eyesight and even have the ability to see in the dark. When fishing for tarpon it is important to pay attention to how the fish are feeding. When tarpon are busting on bait pods, larger flies should be thrown. If fishing dark stagnant water, then large dark flies should be used. If the water is clear, fishing a really small fly is your best bet for success. Therefore the fly sizes for tarpon range from really small size 1 flies all the way up to size 6/0 flies.
- The Tarpon Toad is an incredible fly for targeting tarpon of all sizes and in various conditions. It can be tied small on a size 1 hook or made larger all the way up to a size 3/0 hook.The materials used to tie the Tarpon Toad include Rabbit Zonker, Krystal Flash, Cross Cut Rabbit Strip, EP Fibers, and Mono Eyes. Due to the size of tarpon and their abrasive mouths, it is recommended to use a 30-60lb tippet.
- The EP Peanut Butter Baitfish fly is designed to imitate large bait fish such as mullet. This fly is effective when fishing dirty water or when fishing around bait pods. It ranges in sizes from 1-4/0 and is tied using EP Sparkle Fibers, EP Fibers, and 3D eyes. The recommended tippet size for the EP Peanut butter is 30-80lb.
- The Game Changer Fly is one of the most realistic baitfish presentations due to its articulated design. It can be tied small on a size 1 hook or made bigger up to a size 3/0. The Game Changer is tied using Articulated Fish Spines, Fish Skull Living Eyes, Strung Marabou, Chocklett’s Finesse Body Chenille, and Wire Tippet. Like other tarpon flies, the recommended tippet size for the game changer fly is 30-60lb.
Redfish
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinky Muddler | 2-3/0 | Fine Monofilament Thread Craft Fur - Brown and White SF Fibers - Brown and White Holographic Adhesive Eyes | 15-30lb |
| Fools Gold | 2-1/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Red Raccoon Tail - Tan Saddle Hackle - Chartreuse Mylar Tubing - Small - Gold Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Black | 15-25lb |
| Dupre Spoon Fly | 2-1/0 | Danville Flat Waxed Nylon - Pink Bead Chain Eyes - Medium Colored Mylar - Peach Rain Acetate Sheet Material - Clear Double Sided Cellophane Tape Hackle Tips - Pink Flashabou - Opal Crystal Flash - Shrimp Craft Fur - Pink 5- Minute Epoxy - Clear | 15-25lb |
| Razmataz | 2-1/0 | UTC 210 Thread - Red Craft Fur - Brown Krystal Flash - Red SF Blend - Tan EP Tarantula Brush - 1”- Brown Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Red Micro Chenille - Medium - Pink | 15-25lb ] |
| Kwan | 2-1/0 | UTC Ultra 140 Thread - Tan Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Black EP Fiber - Tan & Bronze Mcfly Foam - Orange Coyote Tail Fur | 15-25lb |
| Everglades Special | 2-2/0 | Veevus 140 Power Thread - Brown Flashabou - Red EP Fiber - Tan, Brown, White, & Chartreuse 3D Eyes - 8mm Marker - Brown | 15-30lb |
| Crafty Shrimp | 1-1/0 | UTC Ultra 140 Thread - Tan Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Brass Craft Fur - Tan Melted Mono Eyes Chenille - Bonefish Tan | 15-30lb |
| Enrico’s Finger Mullet | 1-3/0 | Veevus 140 Power Thread - Gray EP Fiber - Grey, Dark Gray. and Red Krystal Flash - Pearl Blue Adhesive 3D Eyes | 15-30lb |
| Plantation Crab | 1-2/0 | Danville Flat Waxed Nylon - Fluorescent Green Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Chartreuse Finnish Raccoon - Light Gray Crazy Legs - Barred and Speckled Orange Flashabou - Pearl Marabou - Light Olive EP Tarantual Brush - Tan EP 3D Fibers - Eel Green & Sand | 15-30lb |
| Redfish Crack | 1/0-4 | Veevus 140 Power Thread - Brown Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Brass Craft Fur - Tan Krystal Flash - Gold Polar Chenille - Red EP Brush - 1.5” - Tan Marker - Brown | 15-25lb |
| Ragin’ Craven | 2-1/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - Tan Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Plain Krystal Flash - Rootbeer and Black Craft Fur Dubbing - Tan Saddle Hackle - Variant Rubber Legs - Grizzly Natural Barred | 15-25lb |
| EP Topwater Shrimp | 1-2/0 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - White Craft Fur - White Polar Chenille - Orange EP Shrimp Dub Brush - Shrimp Pink Mono Eyes - Black Fly Foam - 2mm - White & Red | 15-25lb |
| The Seeker | 1-0-3/0 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - Orange Craft Fur - Olive, Chartreuse, Orange Saddle Hackle - Olive, Chartreuse, Orange Accent Flash - Olive Kyrstal Flash - Copper | 15-25lb |
| Seaducer | 2-2/0 | 3/0 Uni Thread - Red Saddle Hackle - White & Red | 15-30lb |
| G’s Marsh Minnow | 1-2/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - Chartreuse Dumbbell Eyes - Extra Small - White Palmer Chenille - Medium - Chartreuse Craft Fur - Tan Krystal Flash - Pearl Crazy Legs - Yellow Chartreuse Green EP Foxy Brush - 1.5” - Tan EP Tarantual Brush - 1” - Tan Kiptail - Chartreuse | 15-25lb |
| Assassin Shrimp | 1-1/0 | UTC 140 Denier - White Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Black Krystal Flash - Pink, Pearl, or Yellow Soft Hackle - Grey Palmer Chenille - White Saddle Hackle - Brown Grizzly | 15-25lb |
| Rio’s Hopedale Crab | 1/0 | UTC 210 Denier - Brown Dumbbell Lead Eyes - Medium EP Tarantula Brush - Brown/Olive Sili Legs = Speckled Chartreuse or Tan Flashabou - Pearl Olive Craft Fur - Olive or Brown | 15-30lb |
| Marsh Crab | 2-1/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - White Dumbbell Eyes - Small - Brass Saddle Hackle - White Flashabou - Gold Bucktail - White Elk Hair - Natural | 15-25lb |
| Borski’s Redfish Slider | 2-1/0 | 210 Denier Thread - Brown Lead Dumbbell Eye - Large Craft Fur - Tan Saddle Hackle - Orange Krystal Flash - Bronze Deer Hair - Natural Marker - Brown | 15-20lb |
| Murdich Wiggler | 1-1/0 | 210 Denier Thread - Yellow Krystal Flash - Gold Palmer Chenille -Medium - Tan Polar Chenille - Copper Burnt Mono Eyes - Black Hard Mono - 30lb Lead Wire - .03 Estaz - Gold | 15-25lb |
| Redfish Scampi (St Simons) | 4-1/0 | Danville’s Fine Monofilament Thread Presentation Lead Eyes - Xsmall - Black Krystal Flash - Copper Polar Chenille - UV Copper Rabbit Zonker - Black & Orange Bar Tarantula Legs - Orange Bar | 15-25lb |
- Redfish can be targeted from the Texas Coast all the way up the Eastern Seaboard. These fish are extremely aggressive eaters and are not very picky. When targeting redfish, the type of fly you use isn’t as important as how you present it. They will generally eat anything that is in front of them.
- The Redfish Crack fly is an effective and relatively easy to tie fly. Tied on a hook ranging from 4-1/0, the Redfish Crack is made using Dumbbell Eyes, Craft Fur, Krystal Flash, Polar Chenille, and EP Brush. The Redfish Crack fly is best fished using a 15-25lb tippet.
- When redfish are targeting baitfish, it is best to use the EP Finger Mullet fly. The Finger Mullet fly ranges in hook size from 1-3/0 depending on the size of the fish you are targeting. The EP Finger Mullet is tied using EP Fiber, Krystal Flash, and Adhesive 3D eyes. This fly can be used to target large redfish and therefore the recommended tippet size is 15-30lb.
- The most popular fly used to target redfish is Borski’s Redfish Slider. The Redfish Slider is designed to imitate a shrimp and uses hook sizes ranging from 2-1/0. Borksi’s Redfish Slider is tied using Lead Dumbbell Eyes, Craft Fur, Saddle Hackle, Krystal Flash, Deer Hair, and a Brown Marker. The recommended tippet size for Borski’s Redfish Slider is 15-20lb.
Snook
| Fly Name | Hook Size | Tying Materials Needed | Tippet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squibbster | 1-4 | UNI Mono Thread Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Black Steve Farrar Blend - White Strung Marabou - White Krystal Flash - Pearl EP Wooly Critter Brush - White | 15-40lb |
| Spanker Fly | 1-2/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - White Sparkle Eyes - Large - Red Eye Congo Baitfish Blends -Chartreuse /Needlefish Krystal Flash - Pearl Palmer Chenille - Medium - FL Chartreuse & Brown | 20-40lb |
| Backwater Muddler | 2-2/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - White Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Black Marabou - White & Tan Flashabou Accent - Tan/Pearl Sili Legs - Metallic Gold Coyote Fur Piece EP Foxy Brush - 1.5” - Tan | 17-40lb |
| Ghost Rat | 2-2/0 | UTC 210 Denier Thread - White Bead Chain Eyes - Medium - Black Craft Fur - White Ice Dub - Pearl Marabou - White EP Minnow Brush - White Marker - Gray | 17-30lb |
| EP Baitfish | 1-2/0 | Danville Monofilament Thread Fish-Skull Living Eyes - Fire - 8.5mm EP Fiber - Olive & White Marker (Optional) - Olive | 17-50lb |
| Clouser Deep Minnow | 4-1/0 | Danville Monofilament Thread Lead Dumbbell Eyes - Small or Medium - White SF Blend - Bucktail White & Anchovy Krystal Flash - Pearl | 17-30lb |
| Gummy Minnow | 2-2/0 | 100 Denier Veevus GSP Thread - White Lead Wire - 0.025 Crystal Skin - Pearlescent Sili Skin - Moss Crean Clear Thin Crystal Skin Super Pearl Stick on Eyes - 3/16” | 17-30lb |
| Deceiver | 1-2/0 | Danville Mono Thread - .004 Bucktail - Olive/White Strung Hackle - White Krystal Flash - Black Peacock Herl | 17-30lb |
| Flashtail Whistler | 4-1/0 | Danville’s 210 Denier Thread - White Dumbbell Eyes - Medium - Tungsten Mobile Flash - Silver Bucktail - White Hackle - Grizzly - White/Black EP Craft Fur Brush - Red | 17-50lb |
| Crease Fly | 1/0-4/0 | 6/0 Uni Thread - White Bucktail - White Flashabou - Pearl Fly Foam - 2mm - White Loon Hard Head - White Pearlescent & Pink 3D Stick On Eyes | 20-40lb |
| Mushmouth | 1-3/0 | Danville Monofilament Thread Super Hair - White Fine Mylar - Pearl White & Fluorescent Yellow Flashabou - Pearl Prismatic Eyes | 17-30lb |
| Big Bastard Baitfish | Danville flax Waxed Nylon Thread - FL Orange Marabou - White Ice Dub - Pearl Bucktail - White & Chartreuse Adhesive Holographic Eyes - 5/16” - Red | 20-50lb | |
| Bucktail Baitfish | 1-2/0 | Danville Monofilament Thread Fish Skull Baitfish Head - Medium - Golden Chartreuse Fish Skull Living Eyes Bucktail - White & Olive Flashabou - Mirage | 17-30lb |
| Bendback | 2-2/0 | Danville Monofilament Thread Bucktail - White & Chartreuse Polar Chenille - Pearl \ Adhesive Holographic Eyes - 7/32” - Pearl | 17-30lb |
| Schminnow | 4-1/0 | \Veevus 140 Power Thread - White Plastic Mono Eyes - Large - Black Marabou - White Flashabou Accent - Pearl Estaz - Opalescent White | 17-30lb |
- One of my favorite fish to catch are snook. They attack hard and put up a great fight. Their sandpaper mouths make them a challenge to land on light gear. Snook have the ability to hide in extremely shallow water and will appear in places you would never expect to see a fish. A snook’s diet consists mainly of small baitfish and shrimp.
- Lefty’s Deceiver is one of the best all around flies for targeting any size snook. The Deceiver imitates small baitfish and can be fished in both shallow and deeper water. Deceivers are tied on hook sizes ranging from 1-2/0 and the fly is made using Bucktail, Strung Hackle, Krystal Flash, and Peacock Herl. Snook have very abrasive mouths that can wear through light tippet easily. It is recommended when fishing a Deceiver for snook that 17-30lb tippet be used.
- The most well known fly in the world of fly fishing is the Clouser Deep Minnow. This fly can be used to catch almost any species, however it works really well for snook. Clouser minnows can be tied small on size 4 hooks or made larger up to size 1/0. The Clouser Minnow is tied using Lead Dumbbell Eyes, Bucktail, and Krystal Flash.
Final Thoughts
You should now have everything you need to either buy or create the right sized flies for the most popular species in fly fishing. If you find that I’ve left anything out, feel free to send your suggestions to me at [email protected].