The Crab Fly

Crab patterns can be quite elaborate and can take a long timeto tie, especially so if you are trying to directly represent thecrab. On the other hand, you can successfully tie a fishablepattern in a short time that will catch fish as long as it hasthe important characteristics of a crab, which are legs and abody (carapace) of some type.

Lets look at one such pattern, which I find to be verysuccessful on the flats in North Queensland. I simply call it"the crab" and it is a similar tie to the patterns usedin the Weipa region for permit.

Hook: Gamakatsu SL 12S from sizes 4. (1/0 is used inthis article)

Thread: Danvilles flat waxed thread, (preferablywhite).

Tail: Squirrel tail and grizzly saddle hackles.

Body: Wool (colour is a personal preference)

Eyes: Lead dumbell eyes.

Tying procedure:

1. Place the hook firmly in the vice and crimp the barb. Start the thread from the hook eye and advance down to a point just part the bend.
2. First tie in a small amount of squirrel tail (or similar material) then cross tie in a small grizzly saddle hackle on either side of the hook. Be sure to tie these so they splay out.
3. Tie in small lengths of wool across the hook shank using a figure eight wrap. Be sure to keep wraps to a bare minimum.
4. Continue tying in small lengths closely together until you reach a point near the hook eye.
5. Tie in the lead eyes using a figure eight wrap and finish with a whip finish.
6. Trim the wool body to shape so as it closely represents the crab carapace you are trying to imitate.
7. Cut lengths of rubber bands to appropriate lengths and attach on the underbody with epoxy. Be sure to attach to the bottom of the fly with the rubber bands curling upwards as this helps the fly to turn over correctly in the water.