Hook Size 2
Perfect Fly’s “Flats Crab” imitates small crabs that are found on the saltwater flats and
estuaries. It is great for bonefish but also works well for redfish, ladyfish, permit,
pompano, and many other backcountry and shallow water inshore species.
The fly comes in a hook size 2. Like all of our saltwater flies, this one is tied on super
sharp, stainless steel hooks.
It should be fished right on the bottom. It has a mono week guard and is easy to keep on
the bottom without hanging. You want to fish it fairly slow. You can make very short, quick
strips but keep the fly moving slowly.
Crabs do not move at high rates of speed but they can move quickly and do move faster
than most anglers think they can. Erratic strips sometimes work well. Vary the speed of
retrieve to determine the best one.
Gear:
The fly is easy to cast and can be used with fly rods as light as an eight weight although
we would recommend a nine weight. We suggest a fast or medium fast fly rod action. We
use mostly floating fly lines but sinking tip lines work well too, depending on the depth of
the water.
Fishing Method:
You want to get the fly on the bottom and keep it there. To many anglers fish crab and
shrimp imitations to shallow or above the fish. Most fish that are eating shrimp and
focusing their attention to what’s on the bottom. That’s where crabs stay and hide, not up
in open water column above the bottom. Your fly should do the same.
You also want to make sure you keep in contact with the fly. You cannot always see fish
take the fly and you want to feel a take. A fish will feel “live” and not dead like something
you hang on the bottom. You will learn to tell the difference in time if your new to the
sport.
