Fly of the Month: Craft Fur Minnow

Synthetic materials have opened the door to many new and effective fly patterns over the past 15 years. Synthetics have proven themselves as good materials for saltwater fly tying due to their durability, resistance to fading or staining, and overall resilience in hostile environments. One of my favorite synthetic materials is craft fur. Manufactured in a variety of colors and fiber lengths, craft fur is available at most hobby shops and department stores and nearly all fly shops. It can be used to tie everything from crabs to Clousers. This months' fly is a simple but lifelike baitfish pattern made almost entirely from craft fur- the Craft Fur Minnow (aptly named). The Craft Fur Minnow is a bold tall-bodied fly, ideal for probing deep or murky waters where low light restricts visibility. The widened hook gape on the fly acts as a keel and the super-fine synthetic fur fibers come to life in an enticing manner. The fibers also shed water easily, preventing the "wet sock" effect so common to most large baitfish patterns. I usually tie Craft Fur Minnows on 1/0 or 2/0 hooks and either slowly dredge them over reefs or through channels using a uniform sinking line, or drift them in tidal currents with an intermediate line. They're a great choice for deep water drops, edges, and coldwater pockets, or when predators are blitzing schools of bait at the surface. Good color combos include hot pink/white, chartreuse/white, and grey/white.

Materials
Hook: Mustad 34007 #4 to 3/0 (hook bent to wide gape)
Thread: Clear nylon mono
Eyes: Plastic 3-D
Glue for Eyes- Goop adhesive
Back: Colored craft fur fibers
Belly: White craft fur fibers
Flash: Pearl Ice Dubbing
Weed Guard: 30 to 60 pound mono
Cement: Sally Hansen's Hard-as-Nails