Umpqua Chewy's Minnr Saltwater Fly

Overview

The Minnr comes from Umpqua signature tyer Capt. Dave Chouinard, and Umpqua calls it one of the best skinny water minnow patterns ever developed. Unlike many minnow flies, it does not use dumbbell eyes for weight.

Leaving off the dumbbell eyes means it lands without a splash, which matters when you are sight casting to fish in a foot or two of water. It also snags less on grass and coral. As Umpqua puts it, everything eats a minnow, and it is listed for the Bahamas, Belize, the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico.

How to Fish It

• Sight casting: drop it quietly ahead of a cruising fish and start stripping as it comes into view.
• Fleeing bait: use quick, short strips so it darts like a minnow running for cover.
• Shallow grass: its snag-resistant design lets you work it over grass flats.
• Strip-set: always set with a strip, not a rod lift.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive Tan is a natural baitfish color that blends with grass and sand. Size 4 is a good middle size for bonefish, redfish and other flats species.