How to tie the Merkin Crab - Saltwater flats permit fly

The Merkin crab is a great crab imitation fly. It is very popular and has probably caught more permit than any other fly. This was specifically designed to fish permit in the flats and surf, however it will catch any species that regularly eat crabs, like redfish and bonefish. This fly will also imitate shrimp.
Its not an easy fly to tie, so keep in mind that you will have to really work around the materials with precision.
Hook:
Mustad 3407 size 2
Claws:
Hackle feathers
Flash:
Krystal flash
Body:
Super Fiber
Weight:
4MM Dumbell Eyes

[@McFlyAngler]

If you have any flies you want me to tie, let me know and I'll give it a try.

[@saltflies2553]

Can you please pm me the link of the super fiber on FTF, thanks!

[@McFlyAngler]

Whats your SN on there? Are you the one that sent me the challenge? The Tarpon Toad?

[@saltflies2553]

+Mc. Fly Lures that's me!

[@McFlyAngler]

I just sent you a link to the online store where you can buy it... BTW, I am working on the Tarpon Toad. Should have it done in a few days. I am missing one of the materials I need for it. Well, I have the material, just not in the color I would want to tie it in.

[@kerrypitt9789]

This crab pattern should work, in a small size, for Surf Perch on the west coast of BC. We used to use small live crabs.

[@McFlyAngler]

I used to use sand crabs (very small little crustaceans) for surf perch on the California coast. Yeah, surf perch are fun!

[@saltflies2553]

And what color was the super fiber?

[@McFlyAngler]

I think on this Merkin Crab fly I used the "caddis tan" color. But a really nice way to tie this is with a dark and light color. Probably the "reddish brown, and caddis tan" would work really well. Just alternate the clumps, one brown, one tan... Another popular color pattern is black and dark brown.

[@saltflies2553]

+Mc. Fly Lures could white and olive work?

[@McFlyAngler]

Depends on what type of crab you are trying to mimic. Also depends on what the color of the bottom is you are fishing. If its a light sandy bottom, you might be good with a lighter fly, as long as its darker than the bottom. Many guys use a really dark (like black) for fishing crabs because the bottom they are fishing is darker. Since this fly is heavy, it sits on the bottom (like a crab does). So you want it to stand out a bit.

[@txcoastie57]

NIce Dyna King

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks! Yeah it served me well for a long time!

[@rogerdewhurst5750]

What is a permit fly? Is there an unpermitted fly?

[@McFlyAngler]

A permit is a type of fish.... Crab patterns are a good bet when fishing for them.

[@rogerdewhurst5750]

First time I have heard of that one and I thought that I knew my fish. American species?

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes, go to google and search “permit fish”