Umpqua Hochner's One Arm Bandit Crab Fly

Overview

The One Arm Bandit is a crab pattern from Gulf Coast signature tyer Lex Hochner. It imitates the small, multi-colored crabs found on saltwater flats.

Most flats crabs have one large claw and a second that is small or hard to see, so Hochner ties a single claw on the leading edge. That claw flutters as the fly sinks and drops it through the water column at about a 45-degree angle, the way a crab glides down to hide. The body is variegated fur, which gives a realistic mottled look and is quicker to tie than stacked Merkin-style crabs.

How to Fish It

• Lead the fish: cast ahead of cruising permit so the fly glides down in front of them.
• Let it fall: the angled sink is the main trigger. Let it drop before you strip.
• Any bottom: it fishes on mud, marl, grass and white sand flats.
• Set on weight: when a fish tips down on it, stop moving the fly and strip set when you feel weight.

Choosing Color and Size

Sand is a light, natural crab color that blends on white sand and marl flats. Size 2 suits permit and larger bonefish. You can color the claw and leg tips with a permanent marker to match local crabs.