SaltwaterBonefish Junk
The Bonefish Junk is a highly realistic shrimp imitation that pushes the boundaries of saltwater fly tying artistry. This intricate pattern features anatomically correct details including melted mono eyes with green resin, segmented legs, and carefully marked carapace. While more complex to tie than standard bonefish patterns, the Bonefish Junk excels when fish are pressured or feeding selectively on the flats.
Year Round
Advanced
Bonefish
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases the art of creating ultra-realistic shrimp imitations for wary bonefish. The pattern incorporates multiple techniques that elevate it beyond standard bonefish flies, including melted mono eyes with colored resin tips and careful marker work to simulate the natural coloration of mantis shrimp and other crustaceans. The fire orange thread adds subtle color accents visible through the body material, while the combination of Super Floss and Polar Fibre creates lifelike movement in the water.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 811s, #1/0-4
Thread: UTC 140, fire orange
Eyes (Weight): Stainless Steel Bead Chain Eyes, sized to hook
Antennae: Super Floss, shrimp pink and bonefish tan
Flash: Flat Diamond Braid, pearl, shredded
Mouthparts: Egg Yarn, orange
Eyes (Shrimp): Melted Mono, with green Solarez Color Resin on each end
Body: Flat Diamond Braid, pearl
Legs: Super Floss, shrimp pink and bonefish tan
Underwing: Flat Diamond Braid, pearl, shredded
Overwing: Polar Fibre, shrimp
Markings: Sepia and orange permanent marker
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness in tropical and subtropical bonefish destinations. Fish respond to this pattern throughout the seasons wherever bonefish actively hunt crustaceans on the flats.
Presentation
Cast well ahead of cruising or tailing bonefish, allowing the fly to sink to the bottom. Use slow, deliberate strips to animate the fly, mimicking the defensive posture and escape movements of a shrimp.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing pressured flats where bonefish have seen standard patterns repeatedly. The realistic profile and coloration shine in gin-clear water where fish have time to inspect offerings.
Water Type
Designed for saltwater flats fishing. Most effective over turtle grass, sand, and mixed bottoms where shrimp and mantis shrimp are abundant. The detailed markings help the fly blend with natural prey items.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on an 8-9 weight rod with tropical floating line. Use 10-12 lb fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance and invisibility. Leader length of 10-12 feet allows for stealthy presentations on spooky fish.
Visibility & Floatation
The bead chain eyes allow controlled sink rate while the pearl body provides subtle flash. The shrimp-colored overwing and careful marker work create a realistic silhouette that bonefish recognize as natural prey.
