In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, InTheRiffle ties a crab fly that every angler should carry in their flats box, the EP Micro Crab.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Whether on a plate or in the ocean, crabs are a meal that few will pass up. From the coast of Maine to the flats of the Florida Keys, there are happy tailing fish gorging themselves on these crustaceans. Sight fishing can offer some of the most exciting chances at fish and you should always be prepared with the right arsenal. Fishing the flats often requires multiple variations of shrimp flies and crab flies, and the EP Micro Crab is one pattern that should be at the top of that list.
There is no doubt that Enrico Puglisi changed the tying game with his synthetic EP fibers. These fibers are easy to work with and can be used to tie countless patterns. Using the pre-made dubbing brush allows for an even simpler process, allowing novice to intermediate tyers the ability to hit consistency in a batch of flies. Change the colors to match the crab species in your specific waters and watch the EP Micro Crab do what it does best.
Depending on the depth of water you’re fishing may require larger eyes to increase sink rate. Pairing this fly with an intermediate or sink tip could also be the correct course of action, but you will have to gauge your specific waters and fish to make that call. Be patient when tying and fishing, as flats flies require the right profile and presentation while fishing. For your next trip on the flats, don’t forget to bring a variety of EP Micro Crabs as it might be the ticket to a successful outing.
Ingredients:
Hook: #02 Gamakatsu SC15
Eyes: Medium Silver Beadchain
Thread: FL Chartreuse Veevus 6/0
Flash: Pearl Midge Flash or Krystal Flash
Claws: Tan 3-D EP Silky Fibers or EP Fibers
Legs: Tan Loco Legs or Brown/Clear Chicone Micro Crusher Legs
Body: Tan EP Streamer Brush
Weedguard: 20LB Rio Hard Alloy Mono
Glue: Brush On Zap A Gap and Zap A Gap CA Thin
Brush: Dubbing Brush
Now you know how to tie the EP Micro Crab!
Video and ingredients courtesy of InTheRiffle.
