some flies for Cuba

[cowie]

Started making my flies for guillermo,and the bonefish flats in a couple of weeks time,what do you think?
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g88/cowieuk/flies/flies001.jpg
A selection of fry/baitfish patterns, crazy charlies and gotcha,and a couple of crab patterns,more to do but am i on the right lines with these?

[cubafish]

Dynomite! :toff:

Those will work. :thumbsup:

[laut]

I am very interested in learning how to make those crab fly. Can you give me more detail on how to make them? What type of material do you use for the crab body ?? what size of the hook ? According to my professional bonefish fisherman friend, those light pink and sandy color crab make the best for Bonefish in Cuba. thank you.

[cowie]

I am very interested in learning how to make those crab fly. Can you give me more detail on how to make them? What type of material do you use for the crab body ?? what size of the hook ? According to my professional bonefish fisherman friend, those light pink and sandy color crab make the best for Bonefish in Cuba. thank you.

Hi Laut, they are real easy to make, those in the picture were tied on gamakatsu size 6 SL45 hooks,here's the steps to tie one:
1.Invert the hook in vice and tie in bead chain eyes,painted black,these are under the hook shank so the crab swims the correct way.
2.I used sili legs for the crab legs,tie them in half way along the shank as shown.
3.Tie in 2 pairs of grizzle cock hackles on opposite side to the legs for the claws, and tie off the thread.
4.I use craft fur (tan and camel colour-have got some shrimp colour - a very light pink so will tie up some of those) cut a square of the fabric 15mm x 15mm,then trim down the fur on the other side so it is 2-3mm long,then just shape it into a crab shell kind of shape.
5 I then place this 'crab shell' fur side down onto the table,then using super glue i put a line along the length of the hook shank and press it onto the back of the crab shell,check it is level and hold till it sets,5-10 seconds.
6.To finish,i mix a little epoxy and seal all in on the underside of the crabs belly,allow to dry.
7.Hopefully go find a bonefish and enjoy :grin3:.

I will be making these in sizes 4,6 and 8.

Hope that is clear enough to understand,any questions just shout up.
cowie.

[Rickystitch]

Hi Ian. they look gooood. Me and Steve have got so many now we may have to leave some behind!!! When we meet up we can share some with you we also got some Tarpon Bunnies in red and black on circle hooks for the lagoons that look the balls. Dont forget your mobile number???

[AbuCuba]

Never been into fly fishing/tying myself but I must say Ian, they look great!

Me....I'm taking a pack of GULP 2" Peelers!! Does that count?

My tube-lures arrived today and look like they'll do the business.

TTYL....Steve.

[marktheshark]

Hullo Ian
I've PMd you and just looked up the Donegal FF patterns I use: they are Top Loader, in sprat or chartreuse, size 1; Polar Fry, sprat, 1/0; and Candy Fry, sprat, 1. The channel tarpon seem to feed on smallish fry, and also engulf their prey, so I'm not sure if the long skinny needlefish pattern will hook them up so well. Only one way to find out ...
On the bonefish front, a lot of the Cayo guides I've spoken to recommend crazy charlies in tan or pale pink, as that seems to blend in best with the bottom on mangrove flats.
Finally, a donkey of a barracuda caught in the Grenadines last week has reminded me that the shallow-running Rapala Xrap, in spotted minnow, is IMHO the outstanding trolling lure for this species. Last time in Cuba, cudas were forming shoals to hit it. Upgrade the trebles as big fish will mangle them - as I've just discovered.
Hope some of this is useful
Mark

[cowie]

Mark,i know its not in the same league as Alberto's,but think this'll be ok?
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g88/cowieuk/flies/mfly1012.jpg