Baby lobster fly

[mgustav]

This past summer, in an area where I often fish, a weakfish was caught with a busted up lobster in its gut. Knowing that small lobsters are around I wanted to make a baby lobster fly for stripers.http://www.panix.com/~pg/babylobster.jpg This fly is based on an Australian freshwater fly called the Yabby which is an Australian's term for crayfish. I made it larger and altered the coloration to suggest a small lobster.

[stripertyper]

nice, Gus...but what about that downturned hook? I would think you would want to fish it on/close to the bottom, as that's where lobsters/crustasceons live. Might get hung up alot and lose that tasty offering to a snag...I might copy that for freshwater large/smallmouth bass

[mgustav]

It depends on where one is fishing. I want this fly to drift. I put a little weight (wrapped copper) into the thorax but the fly doesn't drop. Small crabs transport with the current. I've seen them float by many times. I am assuming a lobster of this size does the same. The striper will suck it in like it would a small crab. Attach a mono weed guard if there is weed. But I like the idea of the fly drifting with the current into the gaping mouth of an awaiting lazy striper. Happy New Year.

[VAN]

I just received my new issue of ON THE WATER and there is a short article that you might enjoy. Called Lobster Salad - it shows a small baby lobster fly and the author talks about stripers and their fondness for lobsters.
Your pattern and his are similar to my favorite smallmouth crawfish fly - now I'll modify it for stripers.