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| Saltwater Flies, cont |
| Fresh & Saltwater Flies II |
| 1619 Terrace Dr, Westminster, Maryland 21157 410-925-9530 |
The Redbone Crust
I have discovered over and over again that one of the attributes of a well-designed fly is
that it will be attractive to many different fish. The Lefty’s Deceiver and the Clouser
Minnow are excellent examples. The Clouser can be changed as to size, color or type of
material to catch just about any species of fish. There are also certain patterns that are
versatile enough as they are to catch a number of different species without any further
modification. The Redbone Crust is a combination of these. Bob Clouser ties a Minnow
called the Foxey Minnow that was designed for trout fishing. He then modified the fly to
fish for “Susquehanna Bonefish,” (a nice euphemism for carp) by changing the size and
some of the tinsels. I have added some materials and changed others to create a
variation that has proved very effective on redfish, smallmouth bass and bonefish,
changing hook size for the later. I believe the natural coloration of the fur and tinsels
suggest a crab, crawfish or shrimp, hence the name “crust,” as an abbreviation for
crustacean. The fine diameter of the fur and light eyes allow the fly to be fished in very
skinny water, with ample movement. In short, it’s good for the very type of waters where
you find redfish and bonefish. It would be a good addition to both your saltwater and
freshwater arsenal.
SIZE: #2/0, #4..................................................................................................................$3.95each
I have discovered over and over again that one of the attributes of a well-designed fly is
that it will be attractive to many different fish. The Lefty’s Deceiver and the Clouser
Minnow are excellent examples. The Clouser can be changed as to size, color or type of
material to catch just about any species of fish. There are also certain patterns that are
versatile enough as they are to catch a number of different species without any further
modification. The Redbone Crust is a combination of these. Bob Clouser ties a Minnow
called the Foxey Minnow that was designed for trout fishing. He then modified the fly to
fish for “Susquehanna Bonefish,” (a nice euphemism for carp) by changing the size and
some of the tinsels. I have added some materials and changed others to create a
variation that has proved very effective on redfish, smallmouth bass and bonefish,
changing hook size for the later. I believe the natural coloration of the fur and tinsels
suggest a crab, crawfish or shrimp, hence the name “crust,” as an abbreviation for
crustacean. The fine diameter of the fur and light eyes allow the fly to be fished in very
skinny water, with ample movement. In short, it’s good for the very type of waters where
you find redfish and bonefish. It would be a good addition to both your saltwater and
freshwater arsenal.
SIZE: #2/0, #4..................................................................................................................$3.95each
The Redbone Crust
The Bull Minner
Another variation of the Clouser Minnow is my “Bull Minner” and again, using naturally
colored materials was of great importance. The improper word usage in the name of this
fly is the result of a cherished memory of an old guide friend from Currituck, North
Carolina. He has long ago passed over to better fishing grounds, but I remember him
well. The way that he always called minnows of any kind “minners” is dear to me and I
enjoy honoring him in a small way with this pattern.
I developed this fly far from the banks and brackish waters of Currituck Sound, and it
imitates a Chesapeake baitfish commonly called the "bull minnow" (its actual name is
mummichog or killifish). Local bait-fishermen consider it an excellent bait for hooking
behind a jig or under a float for bass, chain pickerel or for winter crappie fishing.
The odd thing about this fly pattern is that it didn’t start out to represent a bull minnow at
all. Fly-fishing for smallmouth bass in the Great Lakes was the catalyst that caused the fly-
designing gene to rage into action.
I was trying to create a fly that would work well on the Lake Erie smallmouth bass. On a
prior trip we brought the same flies that we had great success with on Lake Ontario. The
problem turned out to be that the baitfish in Ontario were different enough from those in
Erie that the flies weren’t working well. The bait in Erie was smaller, and they all had
similar coloration. The primary bait were emerald shiners, crawfish and round gobies (a
foreign introduction from the bilge of a ship). Each of these species was about 2 to 2 ½
inches long compared to the 3 to 3 ½ inch flies we were throwing at the bass in Ontario.
They all had a mottled combination of tan, olive and browns, both light and dark. The new
fly we developed to match these characteristics was greatly appreciated by the
smallmouth bass. The white bass and the freshwater drum that are so prolific in the
shallow bays of the Bass Islands near Sandusky, Ohio liked them too.
As mentioned, this fly didn’t start out as a bull minnow, but after coming home to the
Chesapeake, I realized how well it mimicked a killifish. I tried it on stripers first and was
rewarded not only with stripers, but also speckled trout and hardhead (croakers). They just
loved it. This fly carries the natural colors of a crab as well, and is now a permanent part of
my saltwater arsenal. The Bull Minner shows that a well thought-out fly, using natural
colors, can work in different situations. It was developed for Lake Erie smallmouth, yet it
worked on the other lake species too. Furthermore, when it was brought back to home
waters, it proved to be effective on various saltwater and brackish-water species as well.
Like a few other Clouser-style Minnows of my design, the fly is a dressed a bit more
heavily than is usual. Note the root beer colored bucktail. It gives an added attractor
element to the fly, but still maintains a natural coloration scheme.
SIZE: #2/0............................................................................................................................$3.95 each
Another variation of the Clouser Minnow is my “Bull Minner” and again, using naturally
colored materials was of great importance. The improper word usage in the name of this
fly is the result of a cherished memory of an old guide friend from Currituck, North
Carolina. He has long ago passed over to better fishing grounds, but I remember him
well. The way that he always called minnows of any kind “minners” is dear to me and I
enjoy honoring him in a small way with this pattern.
I developed this fly far from the banks and brackish waters of Currituck Sound, and it
imitates a Chesapeake baitfish commonly called the "bull minnow" (its actual name is
mummichog or killifish). Local bait-fishermen consider it an excellent bait for hooking
behind a jig or under a float for bass, chain pickerel or for winter crappie fishing.
The odd thing about this fly pattern is that it didn’t start out to represent a bull minnow at
all. Fly-fishing for smallmouth bass in the Great Lakes was the catalyst that caused the fly-
designing gene to rage into action.
I was trying to create a fly that would work well on the Lake Erie smallmouth bass. On a
prior trip we brought the same flies that we had great success with on Lake Ontario. The
problem turned out to be that the baitfish in Ontario were different enough from those in
Erie that the flies weren’t working well. The bait in Erie was smaller, and they all had
similar coloration. The primary bait were emerald shiners, crawfish and round gobies (a
foreign introduction from the bilge of a ship). Each of these species was about 2 to 2 ½
inches long compared to the 3 to 3 ½ inch flies we were throwing at the bass in Ontario.
They all had a mottled combination of tan, olive and browns, both light and dark. The new
fly we developed to match these characteristics was greatly appreciated by the
smallmouth bass. The white bass and the freshwater drum that are so prolific in the
shallow bays of the Bass Islands near Sandusky, Ohio liked them too.
As mentioned, this fly didn’t start out as a bull minnow, but after coming home to the
Chesapeake, I realized how well it mimicked a killifish. I tried it on stripers first and was
rewarded not only with stripers, but also speckled trout and hardhead (croakers). They just
loved it. This fly carries the natural colors of a crab as well, and is now a permanent part of
my saltwater arsenal. The Bull Minner shows that a well thought-out fly, using natural
colors, can work in different situations. It was developed for Lake Erie smallmouth, yet it
worked on the other lake species too. Furthermore, when it was brought back to home
waters, it proved to be effective on various saltwater and brackish-water species as well.
Like a few other Clouser-style Minnows of my design, the fly is a dressed a bit more
heavily than is usual. Note the root beer colored bucktail. It gives an added attractor
element to the fly, but still maintains a natural coloration scheme.
SIZE: #2/0............................................................................................................................$3.95 each
Bruce's Crab Colored Clouser
One day while I was catching stripers and white perch in a Chesapeake
Bay tributary, I noticed that they were spitting up small rock crabs. This
got me thinking about how to imitate these small crustaceans with a
much simpler fly than is usually used. Most standard crab patterns are
complicated ones, and take a long time to tie. I knew the fly would need
to be weighted, and would require the right combination of colors. The
good old Clouser Deep Minnow pattern came to mind. The fly I came up
with is tied with three colors of bucktail... white, tan and olive. This
combination, along with gold Krystal Flash and copper Flashabou in
between the bunches of bucktail, makes for a realistic crab coloration.
Yes, I can hear you say, "But it doesn't look like a crab!" Well, think about
it this way. A fish is often looking at its prey on a horizontal level. If you
view the fly edgewise, it has the suggestion of a crab as seen from the
side. Much more important, though, is the fact that these colors are all
natural ones in the salt. Natural coloration takes the guesswork away
from the fish. It looks good to eat, so it feels very comfortable taking a
bite. It has the further advantage of working on fish that are in either an
aggressive or a passive mood. Also, note my incorporation of the fire-
orange head as an attractor to provide that little additional “edge” factor.
This is one of my "go to" patterns and has accounted for many sizable
fish over the years. Stripers and redfish just love them.
Size: 2/0.............................................................................................$3.95each
One day while I was catching stripers and white perch in a Chesapeake
Bay tributary, I noticed that they were spitting up small rock crabs. This
got me thinking about how to imitate these small crustaceans with a
much simpler fly than is usually used. Most standard crab patterns are
complicated ones, and take a long time to tie. I knew the fly would need
to be weighted, and would require the right combination of colors. The
good old Clouser Deep Minnow pattern came to mind. The fly I came up
with is tied with three colors of bucktail... white, tan and olive. This
combination, along with gold Krystal Flash and copper Flashabou in
between the bunches of bucktail, makes for a realistic crab coloration.
Yes, I can hear you say, "But it doesn't look like a crab!" Well, think about
it this way. A fish is often looking at its prey on a horizontal level. If you
view the fly edgewise, it has the suggestion of a crab as seen from the
side. Much more important, though, is the fact that these colors are all
natural ones in the salt. Natural coloration takes the guesswork away
from the fish. It looks good to eat, so it feels very comfortable taking a
bite. It has the further advantage of working on fish that are in either an
aggressive or a passive mood. Also, note my incorporation of the fire-
orange head as an attractor to provide that little additional “edge” factor.
This is one of my "go to" patterns and has accounted for many sizable
fish over the years. Stripers and redfish just love them.
Size: 2/0.............................................................................................$3.95each
| Bruce's Crab Colored Clouser |
| The Bull Minner |
Cactus Striper
Another parrtern that will bring the "Big-uns" to your fly is the Cactus Striper. The
cactus in this case refers to the flash chenille (cactus chenille or Estazs is anothe
name for it) used for the body of the fly. This fly is what we call a "big fish fly." It has a
large profile and can be tied long, so it imitates big bait and well catch the interest of
the larger predators. Like Lefty says, "You gotta give them groceries." By using the
buggy looking chenille as the body and long saddle hackle for the tail, this fly can be
tied from as short as 4" to 8 to 9" depending on the length of the saddles. Using lead
eyes make the hook ride up like the Clouser Minnow.
Size: 4/0, specify white or chartreuse...................................................................$4.95 each
Another parrtern that will bring the "Big-uns" to your fly is the Cactus Striper. The
cactus in this case refers to the flash chenille (cactus chenille or Estazs is anothe
name for it) used for the body of the fly. This fly is what we call a "big fish fly." It has a
large profile and can be tied long, so it imitates big bait and well catch the interest of
the larger predators. Like Lefty says, "You gotta give them groceries." By using the
buggy looking chenille as the body and long saddle hackle for the tail, this fly can be
tied from as short as 4" to 8 to 9" depending on the length of the saddles. Using lead
eyes make the hook ride up like the Clouser Minnow.
Size: 4/0, specify white or chartreuse...................................................................$4.95 each
| Cactus Striper white |
| Cactus Striper Chartreuse |
| Bruce's Crystal Shrimp |
Bruce's Crystal Shrimp is a very effective imitation of the saltwater shrimp found
around pilings and underwater structure. One of the more subtle aspects of this fly
is the positioning of the tail material. The tail is tied with natural deer body hair on
the bottom of the hook, which rides point up like the Clouser Minnow. This tail
position creates two effects. First, it looks like the tail of a shrimp when seen from
above; second, and most important, when the deer hair softens up in the water, the
hair tends to flare out. This causes the fly to dart from side to side when retrieved
with short strips of the line, imitating the darting motion of a real shrimp.
This pattern has been effective for fish all over the world. For example, it has caught
redfish on the Louisiana and Florida flats, and speckled trout from Florida to Texas.
The fish of the flats and reefs of Australia have fallen for this pattern, and so have
bonefish all over the Caribbean.
Size: #1/0 or #4, specify tan or pearl...............................................................$2.95 each
around pilings and underwater structure. One of the more subtle aspects of this fly
is the positioning of the tail material. The tail is tied with natural deer body hair on
the bottom of the hook, which rides point up like the Clouser Minnow. This tail
position creates two effects. First, it looks like the tail of a shrimp when seen from
above; second, and most important, when the deer hair softens up in the water, the
hair tends to flare out. This causes the fly to dart from side to side when retrieved
with short strips of the line, imitating the darting motion of a real shrimp.
This pattern has been effective for fish all over the world. For example, it has caught
redfish on the Louisiana and Florida flats, and speckled trout from Florida to Texas.
The fish of the flats and reefs of Australia have fallen for this pattern, and so have
bonefish all over the Caribbean.
Size: #1/0 or #4, specify tan or pearl...............................................................$2.95 each
Just about any fisherman coming from a bass fishing background heard of or has
use The Johnson Silver Minnow. This spoon is to weedy water as peanut butter is
to jam. Year back this was the the “go to”lure for vegatation and it certainly has
caught a many fish. It was a great pike lure for the weedy shallowsand to this day, in
a gold color, is one of the bestredfish baits you can have. I usually go redfishing
about two times a year and had always taken my original epoxy spoon in gold for
reds and then my createtive juices got going and I thought of the
Johnson Spoon and designed the “J” Spoon. It is definitely the fly rod version of its
big brother in every way. Now when I go south this spoon is just about the only fly I
fish with. I said fly, but really it is a fly rod lure. Add silver glitter to the spoon and it
will catch any saltwater species.
Size: 2/0, specify gold or silver.......................................................................$5.95each
use The Johnson Silver Minnow. This spoon is to weedy water as peanut butter is
to jam. Year back this was the the “go to”lure for vegatation and it certainly has
caught a many fish. It was a great pike lure for the weedy shallowsand to this day, in
a gold color, is one of the bestredfish baits you can have. I usually go redfishing
about two times a year and had always taken my original epoxy spoon in gold for
reds and then my createtive juices got going and I thought of the
Johnson Spoon and designed the “J” Spoon. It is definitely the fly rod version of its
big brother in every way. Now when I go south this spoon is just about the only fly I
fish with. I said fly, but really it is a fly rod lure. Add silver glitter to the spoon and it
will catch any saltwater species.
Size: 2/0, specify gold or silver.......................................................................$5.95each
Bruce's Epoxy "J" Spoon-Top
| Bruce's Epoxy "J" Spoon-Side |
