Crustacean Reduction
Crustacean Reduction
The name of this fly, the Crustacean Reduction, reflects the method I used to design it. I took four successful time-tested bonefish patterns and reduced them down to their individual fish catching attributes. I then combined all of these fly pattern characteristics into a single fly design. From the Beck’s Sili Legs I took the squirmy rubber legs, from the EP Spawning Shrimp I took the prominent eyes, from the Gotcha I took the visible pink thread head, and from the Veverka’s Mantis Shrimp I took the translucent buggy body. This combination of proven bite triggering characteristics resulted in a simple straight forward fly that bonefish feel confident eating.

While the standard pattern is tied on a size 6 hook with tan coloured materials and pink highlights, this fly can also be tied in sizes 2 and 4 and in olive/chartreuse, rust/red or brown/blue colour combinations depending on the fishery.

Materials
Hook: Daiichi 2546 - size 4
Thread: UTC Ultra 140 – fl. shell pink
Weight: Beadchain, medium - silver
Flash: Midge flash – tan
Eyes: UV cure eyes, small – black
Rear Legs: Loco legs – tan
Body: Uni Mohair - beige
Front Legs: Loco legs – tan
Adhesives: Zap-A-Gap Gel & Solarez Bone Dry UV Cure
A bonefish caught on a Crustacean Reduction

Tying Instructions
Step 1. Insert the hook in the vise. Attach the thread and wrap back to two hook eye lengths from the eye of the hook.
Step 2. Place a drop of Zap-A-Gap Gel on the thread wraps and then figure eight wrap the beadchain to the top of the hook (This fly rides hook point up).
Step 3. Tie in, using the fold over method, 10 strands of midge flash on top of the hook. Starting directly behind the eyes and wrapping the thread over the flash to a point opposite the barb of the hook.
Step 4. Trim the flash fibers to the length of the hook gap.
Step 5.  Measure and trim both of the UV cure eyes so they extend from behind the beadchain to a spot equal to the length of the midge flash. Bend each eye stalk at the 2/3rd of its length point so when tied in they will be oriented out from the fly at a 45-degree angle. Tie in one UV cure eye on each side of the hook starting behind the beadchain and spiral wrapping the thread back towards the spot opposite the barb of the hook. Return the thread to the spot opposite the point of the hook.
Step 6. Select out one strand of Loco Legs and cut it in half. Then using the fold over method attach the four strands on top of the hook so they extend out over the rear of the fly. Return wrap the thread to the point behind the beadchain.
Step 7. Starting behind the beadchain tie in a strand of mohair yarn to the top of the hook shank using spiralling wraps. Wrap back to the point opposite the barb of the hook and then return wrap the thread to a point in front of the beadchain.
Step 8. Palmer the mohair yarn forward using touching wraps, trying to trap as few of the fuzzy fibers as possible. Figure-eight wrap the mohair yarn around the beadchain and tie off in front of the eyes. Trim away the excess material.
Step 9. Using a dubbing brush rough up the mohair yarn fibers so they form a shaggy crustacean body.
Step 10. Rotate or flip the fly over in the vice. Select out one strand of Loco Legs and cut it in half. Then using the fold over method attach the four strands in front of the beadchain so they form a wing extending back past the bend of the hook.
Step 11. Build up a thread head, whip finish and cut away the thread.
Step 12. Coat the thread head with Solarez Bone Dry UV Cure or your favorite head cement.

Your Crustacean Reduction is now complete and you are ready to head out On The Water!


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