Umpqua Strong Arm Merkin Crab Fly

Overview

Designed by Umpqua signature tyer David Skok, the Strong Arm Merkin is a crab fly built for permit and bonefish. Umpqua lists it for the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, the Seychelles and flats fishing in general.

Crabs are one of the main foods for permit and a big part of a bonefish's diet. A crab fly has to land quietly, sink at the right speed and settle to the bottom looking like a crab trying to hide. The Merkin style has been a go-to permit fly for decades because of that crab profile, and the Strong Arm version is Skok's take on it.

How to Fish It

• Lead the fish: cast a few feet ahead of a cruising permit or bonefish and let the fly sink into its path.
• Strip and stop: when the fish sees it, make one or two short strips, then let it fall and sit. Crabs dive to the bottom to hide.
• Strip set: when the line comes tight, set with a long strip, not the rod tip.
• Tackle: 8- to 10-weight rod with a 12- to 16-pound fluorocarbon leader is typical.

Choosing Color and Size

This listing is Olive in size 2. Olive blends with turtle grass and darker bottoms, and size 2 is a common permit and big-bonefish crab size.