A great new exact imitation pattern, Riina's Sparkle Crabber, innovated by David Riina. It's been tested extensively here in the Sound as well as in Captiva Island, Florida.
Tying Instructions
1. Using latex sheeting,(a diswashing glove works well), trace a picture of a crab onto the sheet. Then with fine tipped siccors cut out the crab body.
2.On a wide gap, short shank hook tye down a pair of eyeballs in the center of the hook(either Bug Eyes or burnt mono). Make sure that the eyes are running parrallel to the hook point. Whip finish and cement the head.
3.Next lay the hook on top of the cut out crab body, and apply E-Z Shape Sparkle Body over the hook shank and crab body in a dome shape. Let dry overnight.
4.After the top is dry, turn the fly upside down. Apply a small amount of E-Z Shape sparkle body,and place a piece of flattened lead or lead putty into the sparkle body. Then apply more sparkle body over the lead the achieve a dome shape. Let dry overnight.
5.Color the latex with Pantone markers to whatever colors you desire.
*David's Note: This fly is very time consuming, and tracing and cutting out the crab body out of latex takes time. It is very well worth it though because the fly is a great imitation.
Dave's working on some commercial deals, but if you contact him, rxs20@bestweb.net, he also ties commercially, so, for sure, he'll sell you some. Drop him an e-mail.