Instructions for Tying Shrimp Flies

Fly-fishing for bonefish along the Caribbean sands is considered by many fly-fishing anglers to be among the epitome of fly-fishing adventures. To attract these silver fighters, consider using a shrimp fly. Shrimp are a favorite of the bonefish, and a fly that imitates them is sure to bring in hits. Tying a shrimp pattern is formulaic and if the basic pattern is followed, modifications such as size or color are possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly hook vise
  • Forceps
  • No. 4 or No. 6 hook
  • Light-colored flat-waxed thread
  • Medium gold chain eyes
  • Marabou
  • Pumpkin sili-legs
  • Dubbed underfur
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp down on the hook in the vise at the point where the hook begins to curve. Keep the hook facing down and into the vise jaws.

    • 2

      Place the marabou clump at the point on the shank where the hook begins to curve. Use the forceps to wrap four to five coils of thread around the marabou onto the shank.

    • 3

      Make a bight on a strand of the sili-legs and point it up toward the eye hook on the shank. Place it so both ends pointing out from the bight are on only one side of the shank.

    • 4

      Position the eyes onto the shank at the beginning of the hook's curve bend. Tie them down at the shank using the thread, making four to five wraps. Trim the thread down and tuck under the eyes to secure the thread.

    • 5

      Set the underfur on the bottom of the shank and wrap it to the hook with the thread. Go in a spiral.

    • 6

      Space dubbing in between the thread spiral from Step 6. Fluff out the dubbing with your fingers to give the fly the shrimp appearance.

    • 7

      Add one more piece of dubbing just below the eyes and fluff it out.