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flyfysher
Gotcha fly pattern
Tan craft fur · pearl braid · View the pattern reference ↗

FlyFysher

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 illustrated steps

Work through the numbered steps in order. Use the written materials and proportions as your guide; select an image for a closer look.

  1. Gotcha, step 1: Eyes and tail

    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. Gotcha, step 2: Wrap body

    Wrap body

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

  3. Gotcha, step 3: Set the wing

    Set the wing

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

  4. Gotcha, step 4: Finish

    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. Choose bead-chain or dumbbell eyes for bonefish flies.

Tied by independent makers

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Recipe references

Materials and tying methods may vary between versions. Compare the sources below for this dressing.

Portrait reference

Pattern dressings vary; use the written recipe for exact materials and proportions.

Saltwaterflies.com — Tying the Gotcha ↗

For the same fly box.

Crazy Charlie fly patternCrazy CharlieShrimp · #4–8Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp fly patternPeterson’s Spawning ShrimpShrimp · #2–6Squimp fly patternSquimpShrimp · #2–6