Belly Flop Crab

The Belly Flop Crab, created by Umpqua signature tyer Dave Student, is a masterfully designed flats fishing fly intended for targeting permit, bonefish, and other crab-eating species. This innovative pattern gained recognition for its realistic profile, weight-forward design, and effective sink rate, which allows it to land softly and sink in a natural posture. The fly's name reflects its unique ability to imitate the subtle movements of a crab flopping into the water, making it a favorite for sight-fishing in shallow flats with clear, sandy bottoms.

Mimic Escape Behavior: For bonefish, use short, erratic strips when fishing over turtle grass or sand flats. This mimics a fleeing crab, an action that often triggers aggressive strikes. Vary the speed and direction of your strips to match the fish’s behavior.