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Tying the WINDRAM’S SPARKLING CRAB (page 1)

WINDRAM'S SPARKLING CRAB

Photographs By Chris Windram

Welcome to the second edition of the SaltwaterFlies.Com Fly Tying Theatre! In these pages we hope to bring you tying instructions for some of our favorite saltwater flies. Here are my instructions for making the Windram's Sparkling Crab.

Recipe:

Hook: Mustad 34007, #2, 4 or 6
Thread: Tan Nylon, 6/0
Claws: Tan calftail
Legs: Pheasant tail fibers
Flash: Krystal flash, root beer
Lead eyes: Size S or XS
Body: Tan yarn coated with E-Z Shape Sparkle Body, Sand
Eyes: E-Z Shape Sparkle Body, Gold Bay anchovy, Red Gill, Pure black
Spots: E-Z Shape Sparkle Body, Crayfish


STEP 1
Tie in a clump of the tan calftail. Lash this halfway down the hook bend. This will form one of the “claws” when the fly rides hook point up.



STEP 2
Tie in another clump of calftail at the front of the hook. This clump should extend forward past the hook eye, and should also point down in the same direction as the first clump. “Bundle” the fibers in this clump by wrapping several turns of thread around the clump itself in order to form a neat little “claw”.



STEP 3
Tie in lead eyes about three sixteenths of an inch behind the hook eye. These will help to sink the fly, and insure that the fly fishes hook point up.



STEP 4
(Top View)
Lash two strands of tan polyester yarn to each side of the hook. These should flare and splay out to the either side. Tie off and cut the thread.



STEP 5
(Top View)
Trim the splayed yarn into a flattened disc shape. This will prepare an underbody to provide a nice crab shape. The more consistent you make this shape, the better the finished fly will appear.



[Finishing Steps]

Remember to print out this page to take with you to your vise.


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