Fly of the Month: Art’s Shrimp

This month's fly is a simple but lifelike shrimp pattern that is a throwback of sorts to a time when saltwater fly tying was not dominated by epoxies, super glues, and luminescent materials. The fly, Art's Shrimp, is credited to noted fly tyer and writer Art Scheck. Scheck has been tying his shrimp pattern for years and it has a design basic to many crustacean patterns - large black eyes, ribbed carapace, and tentacles (features fish key on). The materials used in the fly are also basic and readily available- rubber legs, monofilament, dubbing, and a piece of clear plastic sandwich bag. Although Art's Shrimp is easy to tie, the finished appearance of the fly is really impressive, so it is a pattern that beginning tyers can master quickly. When submerged, Art's Shrimp really awakens. Best of all, it catches fish! Art's shrimp is a good choice for fishing around shallow channel drops and edges, over grass beds, or under lights at night. With the addition of a mono weed guard (not shown) Art's Shrimp is also effective on the flats. Good colors include light brown, olive, chartreuse, pink, and white.

Materials
Hook- Mustad 34011 or equivalent long shank #8 through 1/0
Thread- Clear nylon mono
Eyes- Burned 60 lb. mono colored with black nail polish
Antennae- Round rubber or flat silicone legs
Head- Craft fur or synthetic dubbing
Body- Dubbed craft fur or synthetic dubbing
Shell- Clear plastic film (report cover or sandwich bag) colored with perm markers
Ribbing- 20-30 lb mono