By Rock Dawson
As I was sitting in front of the fireplace this February (don’t laugh, we’ve had WAY too many nights in the 30’s here in South Texas this winter) preparing my fly box for an upcoming trip to the Bahamas I started pondering a question that was posed to me by my good friend Joe: how many fly patterns do you really need. Sitting and opining, I came to the conclusion that I probably carry many many more flies than is necessary. Thinking further, I decided that if you consider the food items of our saltwater quarry, they really all fall into a relatively small group of prey. Although they may look a little different, behave a little differently and be present in varying sizes, there are a small group of flies that I believe are effective regardless of the species you’re pursuing. This is true especially if you’re willing to play with your presentation depending on the species, time of year and the prey you are trying to emulate.
1) “Toad” Fly: I may get a little push-back here from some of the purists as the Toad can be pretty non-specific but I love Toads in all shapes, sizes and colors because of their versatility. Depending on the presentation of this fly it works very well as a bait-fish, crab, shrimp or even an attractor pattern. The key to being successful with the Toad lies in the retrieve. Find the right retrieve and you’ll catch fish.
2) Gotcha: Once again I have chosen the Gotcha pattern for it’s versatility. Although slighter in build than the Toad, the Gotcha can be presented in such a way that it emulates various food items and will draw strikes from a wide variety of game fish whether they’re feeding on small crustaceans or bait fish.
3) Deceiver: Although the Deceiver is not quite as versatile as the previously mentioned patterns, it is in this angler’s opinion the quintessential bait fish pattern. Countless patterns have been derived from the Deceiver over time and many of them work well but if I can only choose one it’s going to be the Deceiver.
4) Clouser: The Clouser, much like the Deceiver, is a versatile bait fish pattern. The coloration, size and retrieve will be the determining factors in the success of this pattern but unlike the Deceiver, the Clouser can be the ticket in deeper water when you need to get down in the water column in order to entice predators.
5) Mantis Shrimp: To this point, my selections have been less specific in nature covering a large array of prey items for various species of game fish. However, I have successfully fished mantis shrimp for nearly every species of warm water game fish in the shallows.
6) Merkin: Also known as Del Brown’s Permit fly or the Carpet Crab. The Merkin is my all time favorite straight crab pattern. Although this fly is specifically a crab, the coloration and size can be changed to fit the specific conditions and game fish. I’ve taken more redfish on the flats on this fly than any other in my box (try it in black for redfish).
7) Crazy Charlie: Although the Crazy Charlie (originally the Nasty Charlie, Orvis changed the name for marketing reason some time ago) is similar in nature to the Gotcha I like having both in my box. I think the vinyl body of the Crazy Charlie gives it more of a 3 dimensional appearance in the water and acts to reflect light better in all directions. Once again, the Crazy Charlie works well as a small baitfish or crustacean depending on the retrieve.
8) Seaducer: The Seaducer, although it may not appear so, is once again a very versatile fly. It suspends well in the water column and if fished with quick, short jerks can pass as a bait fish. However, when fished slower and allowed to breathe I believe that it works well as a large crab imitation. I have taken quite a few bull reds feeding on top on blue crabs with this pattern.
9) Gurgler: Having at least one true top water fly in your box is a must. Even traditional bottom feeders like redfish and bonefish will pound a top water if the conditions are right. Let’s face it, even if quite a few fish strike and miss, there’s nothing quite like a top water explosion at the end of your tippet. I prefer the Gurgler because I believe that the basic design gives you the best opportunity to vary your retrieves in order to create different effects. There are quite a few variations that make this fly a versatile option for all types of fishing.
10) Muddler/Bonefish Slider: Ok, ok I know, these are two different flies that swim and perform differently as they emulate different prey. The Muddler performs well as a baitfish pattern (I’ve probably caught more species of fish on a Muddler than nearly any other fly in my box even when forced to fish that drinkable water) I think the Slider is probably seen as a crustacean (crab) by our finned amigos. However, I couldn’t choose between the two. More than once I’ve been in a hurry and quickly grabbed one instead of the other and caught fish!
MORE FLY TYING BLOGS:
CRAFT STORE CRAB
CLOUSER MINNOW
CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT BONEFISH FLIES
SIMPLE REDFISH FLY
