Tying a Raghead Patos Crab Saltwater Fishing Fly

Since its inception in the 1970s, the Raghead Crab as accounted for a very large number hooked Permit. There numerous methods to tie (and shape) the body – from dubbing and glue (Patos) to yarn pieces to hides – but the design is all the same. We do, however, have it on good authority from a witness that the body on Jan Isley’s first Raghead Crab was cut from the bench seat of a Ford Fairlane (color unknown). So, as a nod to the original, we are going to use thin craft suede for the body parts. The trick is to get sticky-backed suede sheets….the built-in peel-away sticky is just enough to act as a third hand during the critical final assembly phase.

• Hook: Gama SL113H (https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=sl113h) or Daiichi 2546 (https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-D2546.html), size 8-1/0
• Thread: 140D, Chart. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-UTC140D.html
• Eyes: Painted dumbbell eyes, size of choice. https://www.discountflies.com/SRCH.html?Search=raven+and+wolf+painted
• Tail (mouth): SEMPERFLI Synthetic Crystal Marabou, Brown Olive or Gold. https://www.discountflies.com/product/M-SFSCM.html
• Claws: Hackle tips or chenille claws.
• Legs: Sili legs of choice: https://www.discountflies.com/category/Legs.html
• Body: medallions from craft suede (with sticky peel away backing) and crab cutters (https://www.riverroadcreations.com/foam-body-cutters/bonefish-permit-crab-foam-body-cutter-set.html).