Little Black Nasty

The Little Black Nasty, designed by Capt. Nick Angelo, is a redfish fly that evolved from the well-known Toad Fly, originally used for tarpon. With bead-chain or barbell eyes incorporated for added weight, and Sili-Legs added for extra movement, this fly was specifically crafted to attract redfish and black drum. Its all-black body with accents of chartreuse acts as a powerful attractor, creating contrast that draws in these species. The Little Black Nasty is also highly effective for striped bass, especially in dark or slightly stained water, where it can imitate a crab or other prey. This pattern excels in shallow water, making it an ideal choice for fishing areas with tailing fish or cruising fish in shallow sand holes. Photo and content information courtesy of Thefisherman.com article July 2022 by Angelo Peluso.

Target Tailor Fish in Shallow Water: When fishing to tailing redfish or black drum, it’s crucial to position the Little Black Nasty as close to the fish as possible. This increases the likelihood of the fish taking the fly, as they are often very focused on feeding when tailing.

Lead Cruising Fish: For redfish or striped bass cruising through shallow sand holes, lead the fish by a few feet, casting slightly ahead of their path. This gives the fly a chance to sink naturally and allows the fish to strike while approaching.

Impart Subtle Movement: If a curious fish approaches but hesitates to strike, impart some subtle movement by giving a short, soft pull of the fly line. This can trigger a reaction strike, especially if the fish is unsure or investigating the fly but hasn’t yet committed.