Developed by Richard Schmidt of Chandeleur Outfitters
and tweaked by Mike Sharpe.
Step One
Wrap the hook with Thread. At the bend of the hook, tie two short Saddle hackles to form the Crabs feelers(Claws).
Next add several strands of Flashabou between the Saddle hackles. Next tie in the end of a piece of Mylar tubing.
Oops, I tied this with the Mylar tube material laying toward the eye of the hook. This will make the tube too short for some rattles.
Tie the Flashabou tube onto the hook shank with the material laying toward the feelers(Claws).
Secure the end of the tube with several wraps.
Hint: Leave the string filler in the tube to keep it from unraveling, just pull it out a little. It also makes it easier to handle.
Step Two
Next, Tie the yarn to the hook shank using a "X" pattern. Leave the wraps loose, so you can adjust the fit
and not leave gaps between the yarn pieces, then tighten by pulling straight down and
wrapping a couple of times around the hook shank in front of the piece of yarn to lock the piece in place. For a #2 hook, it takes 6 pieces of yarn per fly.
Step Three
Tie on the lead eyes. Remove the string from the mylar tube and insert the rattle.
Hint: You may have to push the rattle in to begin and squeeze the tube to ease the rattle to the end of the tube.
Most rattles have one round end, place it down in the tube. I prefer a rattle with both ends rounded. Make sure you purchase a Mylar tube
large enough to accommodate the size rattle you have.
Step Four
Once the rattle is at the base of the tube, fold the tube over toward the eye of the hook.
Wrap the tube to the hook shank to secure it in place.
Step Five
Use the Scissors to snip an opening in the tube for the hook eye to pass through.
Fold the mylar tubing over the eye of the hook and rotate the fly over.
Step Six
Continue to fold the mylar tube over until it is laying under the hook point.
Wrap the mylar tube in front of and behind the lead eyes and whip finish it off.
Step Seven
Trim the yarn to size. This is easiest prior to unraveling the mylar tubing. (Less chance of cutting the flash)
Step Eight
Use a dubbing needle to pick out the mylar tubing.
The unraveled flashabou will simulate legs and attract fish.
Coat all the thread with Head Cement, and you are Done!
GO FISHING!