Turneffe Crab

Absolutely! The Turneffe Crab is a fantastic fly pattern, especially known for its effectiveness on permit and bonefish in the flats around Turneffe Atoll in Belize. It can also work well for redfish in certain situations. Here’s a breakdown of the pattern and how to fish it:

The Turneffe Crab Fly Pattern

• Hook: A strong saltwater hook, size #4 or #6 is common.
• Eyes: Small lead or bead chain eyes, usually medium-sized. These add weight and give the fly a realistic “plop” when it hits the water.
• Body: Furry foam or a similar material to create the crab’s body shape.
• Legs: Rubber legs, often in a natural or cream color. These provide movement and add to the fly’s realism.
• Claws: Deer hair or elk hair, trimmed short to represent the small claws of a crab.
• Color: Natural colors like tan, olive, or cream are most common. Some tiers add red highlights to the tips of the legs.

How to Fish the Turneffe Crab

1. Presentation: The key is to make a gentle presentation. You want the fly to land softly on the water, mimicking a real crab.
2. Retrieve: Let the fly sink to the bottom. Then, use short, slow strips to imitate the natural movement of a crab. You can also try a slow crawl along the bottom.
3. Target Species:
   
   • Permit: Permit are notoriously picky. Be patient and make sure your presentation is perfect. They often like the fly to sit still for a moment before you begin your retrieve.
   • Bonefish: Bonefish are more aggressive. They’ll often take the fly on the drop or with a slow retrieve.
   • Redfish: Redfish will sometimes eat crab patterns, especially in areas where crabs are a primary food source.

Tips for Success

• Vary your retrieve: Experiment with different retrieves to see what the fish prefer on a given day.
• Use a long leader: A long leader (10-12 feet) can help with stealth and presentation.
• Be patient: Sometimes it takes time to get the fish to commit. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get immediate results.
• Match the hatch: If you know what types of crabs are prevalent in the area, try to match the color and size of your fly to those crabs.