Cuda Crab and Shrimp Eyes  
Get the perfect professional look on all your saltwater crab and shrimp tying patterns. Approx 20 eyes per packet.
Price: £0.69

Tying the Fleece Crab

Step 1:             Tie in the Cuda Crab and Shrimp eyes on a Mustad 34007 hook size 4, 6 or 8 or similar stainless steel hook.

Step 2:             Tie in the lead dumbbell on top of the hook at the end of the hook shank near the hook eye; this helps ensure the fly sits point up and will give the finished crab the defensive position when sitting on the seabed. Attach using figure 8 wraps of thread then place a couple of tightening turns around the underside of the dumbbell to secure firmly.

Step 3 & 3a:     Tie in the feather claws again using a figure 8 series of thread turns, (I apply Flue-Glue to the feather then knot them before applying a coat of loon soft head to help give them strength). Cut out the ends to give the distinctive claw shape.

Step 4:             Cut a pinch of fleece away from the pelt.

Step 4a & 4b:   Trim both ends of the fleece so it is square.

Step 5a to 5c:   Invert the hook in the vice so that the point faces up then place a couple of loose turns of thread over the middle of the trimmed fleece that is placed on the shank inside the gape of the hook. Pull tight and secure with one or two more turns of thread before sweeping the fleece back toward the hook bend and wind a couple of turns of thread in front of it.

Step 6 & 6a:     Tie in the first pair of legs (either silly legs or fine rubber band) of a colour to match the fleece.

Step 7 to 10:    Repeat the process used in steps 5 and 6 until you have worked along the length of the hook shank and have four pairs of legs in position.

Step 11:           Tie in the last pinch of fleece behind the eye.

Step 12:           Whip finish or tie off with two or three half-hitches then apply head cement or varnish to secure.

Step 13a to 13b: Trim the finished fly to shape, most crab species share the same shape shell/carapace.

The Finished Fly