Fred posted this awesome crab fly the other day and we HAD to make it a post.
Here is what Fred says about his Purple Marsh Crab:
The crab imitated with this fly is the Purple Marsh crab but the pattern can be adapted to imitate a Ghost Crab or a Fiddler Crab. All three species inhabit similar habitats and are preyed upon equally by redfish,sheepshead ..etc. The crabs occupy the shorelines of bays, lagoons and marshes and are most vulnerable when high tides flood their burrows.
I tie this fly in varying colors of light to dark to fit the different water conditions. This is a realistic or imitative fly pattern and is not a quick tie. The construction is thread and monofilament with a little lead wire to help it ride hook up. The pattern is simple , but when you must tie four sets of legs and two claws , simple does not transfer to easy.
The fly (in my opinion) is worth the extra effort because it is very durable and will last many outings and it can be good option for extremely picky fish.
For more of my flies check out my website realisticflytying.net and more current photos and info can be found on our Facebook page The Flies of Fred Hannie
The process for creating the Purple Marsh Crab on #2 Saltwater Hook:
The material list is :
- size 2 saltwater hook
- .025 lead wire
- monofilament ( 25&50 lb test) thread (6/0)
- markers for color and head cement
