I tried making shrimp flies -- opinions?

[JSeamans]

I know they ain't pretty but this is my first attempt at tying some shrimp imitations to use around Boca Grande in March (and first try at posting photos). I used marabou on the backs because I wanted some action but I'm also trying tan bucktail over the marabou rather than under and may go for a more solid carapace maybe with thin skin or foam. I'm also trying different front legs but I like the sili ones and some pink ultrahair for antennae.

So how close to a shrimp are these?

[Ray]

I'll take and post a few pics later today of some shrimp patterns. Look into Bone fish patterns too. I really likethe kwahn (sp).

[Jim Miller]

Look good to me!
they WILL catch I'm sure. --127-3-

[saltydancindave]

You might try a search for Zeke's Shrimp Fly on the web for a Boca Grande backcountry fly that imitates shrimp & crabs....but that tie will probably work as a shrimp imitation !

[JoeA]

Those are shrimpy looking flies for sure. I have been having alot of fun tying the genral practicioner patterns. Also try tying small deerhair head flies with the til tied facing down the hook point instead of straight back them use some marabou for the body and spin a deer hair head.

[Ray]

Here'a a few pics of my Bonefish patterns. The ones in at the top and in the close up are shrimp patterns tied with palmered hackle, EZ Shape Body Sparkle and epoxy.

The rest are a variety of patterns.

[JSeamans]

Here'a a few pics of my Bonefish patterns. The ones in at the top and in the close up are shrimp patterns tied with palmered hackle, EZ Shape Body Sparkle and epoxy.

The rest are a variety of patterns.

Nice. That epoxy one looks especially shrimpy.

What size hooks are you tying those on? I should tie some swimming patterns, mine are all sinkers so far for current and to hop/swim along the bottom. I may also try coating some in silicone.

I'm heading to Port Charlotte in four weeks so I have time to experiment. --127-3-

[Ray]

I think those are tied on #2 or #1 Mustads.

I would tie several sizes, some large ones too. When you fish live shrimp they're typically not 1" long!!

[saltydancindave]

Nice. That epoxy one looks especially shrimpy.

What size hooks are you tying those on? I should tie some swimming patterns, mine are all sinkers so far for current and to hop/swim along the bottom. I may also try coating some in silicone.

I'm heading to Port Charlotte in four weeks so I have time to experiment. --127-3-
There are no bonefish in Charlotte Harbor to fish for , unless they end up here by some quirk of fate & that's a very rare occasion. Even though the Flatsmaster tourneys start the first weekend of March doesn't mean all the "pros from dover" are going to weigh in fish. The usual size #1 & #2 flies might have to be size #4 if the cold fronts don't stop by then! Zeke's shrimp is from Boca Grande Outfitters & made famous by a Walkers Cay Chronicles show, Cole was surprised at the term "ugly"; but it's so ugly that the fish just love it! :cool:

[JSeamans]

There are no bonefish in Charlotte Harbor to fish for , unless they end up here by some quirk of fate & that's a very rare occasion. Even though the Flatsmaster tourneys start the first weekend of March doesn't mean all the "pros from dover" are going to weigh in fish. The usual size #1 & #2 flies might have to be size #4 if the cold fronts don't stop by then! Zeke's shrimp is from Boca Grande Outfitters & made famous by a Walkers Cay Chronicles show, Cole was surprised at the term "ugly"; but it's so ugly that the fish just love it! :cool:
Nah, we're fishing for reds, snook, seatrout, pompano, jacks, whatever we can get our hands on.

[saltydancindave]

Check http://www.chff.info it's the Charlotte Harbor Fly Fishers club website! :cool:

[JSeamans]

IT WORKED!

Caught a pompano and a small red and i believe my buddy caught a seatrout and had a sheepshead on one.

Johnny's Shrimp-O-Matic works!

One more day to try it here in FLA. --127-3-

[saltydancindave]

Ought to have a good day now that the temps have returned to the upper 50's-low 80's from last weekends cold fronts & winds! Shrimp-o-maticize 'em!

[Robby Lepczyk]

try some bunny hair for the tail on some flies, i prefere the bunny hair, i feel it has more action IMO

[bonefishwhisper]

I tye 2 kinds of "shrimp" flys myself...one is basically epoxy and a cut up water bottle the other is my dread shrimp pattern which has been my most productive bonefish fly by far and will break triple digits this summer...
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/118659.jpg (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=118659&c=529&z=1)
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/120602.jpg (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=120602&c=529&z=1)

[saltydancindave]

The epoxy & cut water bottle tie looks very good! Innovative use of materials to make a very realistic looking shrimp pattern :cool:

[JSeamans]

Think these flies will work in New England? I tried one in RI last weekend but the feed was sparse enough that I reverted to my standby chartreuse clouser.

[foulhook]

If I was a redfish I would eat them! Nice work. They will only get better over time.