Sandcrab fly imitation 

This fly was created to imitate a Surf Perch's favorite meal; a sand crab.  It is an original design.  I call it the SP Sandcrab.  SP could stand for Surf Perch... but really I named it for my daughter - Samantha Paige.

I will post a detailed tutorial next week.  For now, here is the recipe.

Mustad 3906 Size 6 hook
Tungsten bead head/eyes
Damsel green marabou
Brown rubber legs
Mallard barred Flank
Natural color Kevlar thread

The bead head and eyes combination (especially in Tungsten) makes the fly exteremly front heavy, which makes it sink head first - the same way these creatures swim.

I tie the eyes under the hook shank, right up to the eye of the hook, then add the legs.  Rotate to dress the upper portion of the shank using two seperate pinches of marabou clipped to shape the shell.  Then add the mallard feather over the top and tie it all down.  For the finishing touch, use either Dave's Fleximent or head lacquer to the feather to give it a realistic firmness.