How to tie a Marabou Cockroach Tarpon Fly

The Cockroach Tarpon Fly is a classic and has caught many tarpon over time. This new pattern takes the original fly, and changes it with a simple marabou collar.  This simple materials change makes this Tarpon Cockroach very fishy and quite easy to tie.

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Watch how to tie this fly:

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Materials List:

I use a Gamakatsu SL12S size 1/0 for all of my tarpon flies.  This hook is strong and sticky.
Click here to buy Tarpon Hooks



This pattern calls for grizzly hackle. Though any feathers will do, I chose to use a bulk pack of strung hackles.
Click here to buy Feathers

I use Marabou for the collar of this fly. I suggest using light or dark brown, but any color may work if you experiment with it.
Click here to buy Marabou

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Step By Step: How to tie a Marabou Cockroach Tarpon Fly



Start a hook








Add a grizzly hackle tail








Tie in a brown clump of marabou for the collar, whip finish and complete the fly

Marabou Cockroach Tarpon Fly

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Capt Matt guides for Giant Tarpon near Key West, FL during the Spring Tarpon Migration.  If you would like to tie into a monster fish with your fly rod, go to http://riplips.com/floridaguidepage.html



"How to tie a
Marabou Cockroach Tarpon Fly"
by Capt. Matt Thomas

How to tie a Black and Purple Tarpon Bunny

The Black and Purple Tarpon Flies are a favorite tarpon fly color combo of tarpon fishers around the globe.  "Black and Slurple" is easy to tie and tarpon love to inhale it.  This particular fly is tied with a 1/0 tarpon hook and tends to be a slow sinking fly unless you add weight.

Click here to learn a little more about Tarpon.

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Watch how to tie this fly:

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~ Click on any image to enlarge ~

Materials List:

You can expect this tarpon fly to get a lot of attention if the tarpon are in town. Be sure to use the right hook, I prefer a Gamakatsu SL12S 1/0.
Click here to buy Tarpon Hooks

I use strong thread when I tie all of my tarpon flies.  For this Black and Purple Tarpon Bunny I chose to use red thread.
Click here to buy strong Fly Tying Thread

Of course this tarpon pattern calls for purple rabbit strips.
Click to buy Purple Rabbit Strips




Finally, a Black and Purple Tarpon Bunny would not be complete without black rabbit strips.
Click here to buy Black Rabbit Strips











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Step By Step: How to tie a Black and Purple Tarpon Bunny




Start a hook and tie in a rabbit strip.
Wrap the strip into a post to prevent
it from wrapping on the hook
(Snarfle Guard)




Tie in a rabbit strip collar. Be sure to
"lock the strip with a few wraps in the
middle of the hook.






Whip finish and complete the fly.

Black and Purple Tarpon Bunny

 

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 Capt Matt Guides for Giant Tarpon During the Spring Migration in the Florida Keys.  Black and Slurple is a common fly to use for tarpon in the Keys Backcountry.  If you would like to book a 3 or 4 day tarpon fly fishing charter, please go to http://riplips.com/floridaguidepage.html

"How to tie a
Black and Purple Tarpon Bunny"

By Capt. Matt Thomas

How to tie a Perfect Snapper Jig

Capt. Matt quickly ties a Perfect Snapper Jig...

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I can't think of many things more fun than using light tackle to catch snappers for dinner. At the end of my day of fly fishing, I like to hit up one or two of the little spots I've found for catching snappers. One keeper snapper for each of us is all it takes for a tasty meal.

This particular jig is not hard to tie and it proves to be durable enough to catch a dinner or two. I recommend white. Chartreuse can be productive, but not like white.

You'll notice I tie the body rabbit strip off a few times as I progress forward. I believe this makes my jigs last a bit longer, even when snapper fangs take their toll. Super glue on the exposed wraps also helps to lock this pattern down.

Jam on some Snappers!

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How to tie a Little Olive Merkin Crab Fly

How to tie a

Little Olive Crab Fly

by Capt Matt Thomas

The Merkin Style Crab Fly is undoubtedly the favorite fly of permit fishers, and has been since the beginning! Olive is a great color in the Florida Keys. Permit eat little crabs...

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Materials List:

I like to use a Gamakatsu SL12S size 2 for my crab flies.  This hook is
strong and very sticky.  Most appropriately sized saltwater hooks will do.

Click here to buy Crab Fly Hooks

This particular crab pattern is tied with tan thread.  I suggest using 

 something light colored that you can change with a marker later.

Click here to buy Fly Tying Thread

Most crab fly patterns use weighed eyes to get down to the fish right away.
This crab pattern is tied with medium weight eyes.
Click here to buy Weighted Eyes

This fly calls for a hackle feather tail.  I use two grizzly hackles
splayed out "Keys Style" for the tail of the fly.
Click to buy Crab Tying Feathers

I used dyed marabou in the tail of the fly as well.  This part of the fly
can be tied with any sort of "fluff" I just happen to like this material.
Click to buy Fly Tying Fluff

Mono eyes are made easily with a little bit of heavy mono and a lighter.  

With a little bit of practice, you will be making mono eyes like a pro.

Click here to learn how to make Mono Eyes.

 The body of this crab fly is made with Synthetic Fly Tying Fibers. 

The most popular is EP Fibers.  I use tan for a Blue Crab Fly.

Click to buy Synthetic Fly Tying Fibers

No crab fly is complete without wiggly legs.  I like to use rubber 

legs that are a similar color to what i am trying to imitate.

Click here to buy Rubber Legs for Crab Flies

This Blue Crab Fly takes life when you hit it with a marker.  

I am sure to always use a permanent marker when I color my crab flies.

Click here to buy Permanent Markers

For Step By Step Instructions on how to tie this style of crab fly in any color, size or weight.  Please refer to my video titled, 

"How to tie a Blue Crab Fly"

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Capt Matt guides in the Lower Keys during the Spring Tarpon Migration.  If you would like to set up a Tarpon Fishing Trip in the Florida Keys this next season, contact Capt Matt at http://riplips.com/floridaguidepage.html

 Curious? How to Fish a Merkin Style Crab Fly for Permit

Good Luck! I hope you catch many big permit with your Little Olive Merkin Style Crab.