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Shrimp / Pattern notes

Gotcha

Craft fur, pearl braid, and bead-chain eyes form a versatile bonefish shrimp.

At the vise
Beginner friendly
Common sizes
#2–8
From hook to fly

At the vise.

4 steps

Follow this base recipe in order. The materials list specifies one hook size; adjust proportions together when tying another size.

  1. Eyes and tail

    Secure bead-chain eyes on top of the shank near the front third. Add a short frayed Mylar-tubing tail at the bend.

  2. Wrap body

    Wind pearl braid from the bend toward the eyes and tie off.

  3. Set the wing

    Invert the hook; attach sparse craft fur on the point side, extending beyond the bend. Add a little flash.

  4. Finish

    Create a small pink head, whip finish, and cement all exposed thread.

Beyond the bench

On the water.

Use short strips over sand or mixed flats. Carry both light and heavier-eyed versions for different depths.

Tied by independent makers

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Recipe references

Original written instructions adapted from the sources below. Materials and methods may vary between versions.

For the same fly box.

Illustration of a finished Crazy Charlie flyCrazy CharlieShrimp · #4–8Illustration of a finished Clouser Minnow flyClouser MinnowStreamer · #8–2/0