SaltwaterDel's Merkin Crab
Del's Merkin Crab is a classic permit pattern that has fooled countless fish on tropical flats worldwide. This proven design features a yarn body that creates a wide, flat profile, paired with furnace hackle claws and rubber legs with distinctive red-tipped ends. The pattern's simplicity belies its effectiveness, as the materials work together to create a remarkably crab-like silhouette and movement in the water.
Year Round
Intermediate
Permit, Bonefish, Redfish
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents one of the most trusted permit patterns in saltwater fly fishing. The Merkin-style construction creates the distinctive flat, rounded profile that permit recognize as natural prey. The furnace hackle claws provide subtle movement while the red-tipped rubber legs mimic the defensive posture of a swimming crab. The chartreuse thread adds a subtle accent color that shows through the body materials.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco TMC 811S, #1/0-2
Thread: 6/0, chartreuse
Weight: Lead Dumbbell Eyes, medium
Tail: Rooster Hackle (wide, saddle or cape), brown or furnace, with Flashabou, pearl
Body: 3-Ply Sparkle Yarn or EP 3D Fibers, tan
Legs: Medium Round Rubber, white with tips colored red
Weed Guard: Monofilament, 20 lb (optional)
Fishing Tips
Season
Year-round effectiveness in tropical permit and bonefish destinations. Most productive when targeting fish actively feeding on crabs over sand and turtle grass flats.
Presentation
Lead the fish by 6-10 feet and let the fly sink to the bottom. When the fish approaches, use short strips to animate the legs and claws. Often, a motionless fly triggers the most confident eats from permit.
When to Use
Select this pattern when permit are tailing or cruising over sandy flats. The Merkin profile is instantly recognizable to fish conditioned to feed on swimming crabs. Also effective for large bonefish and redfish in appropriate habitats.
Water Type
Designed for saltwater flats fishing over sand, turtle grass, and mixed bottoms. The lead eyes provide adequate sink rate for most flats conditions while allowing the fly to hover just off the bottom.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-10 weight rod for permit, 8 weight for bonefish. Use 12-16 lb fluorocarbon tippet for shock absorption and invisibility. A 9-12 foot leader allows accurate presentations to wary fish.
Visibility & Floatation
The tan body matches natural crabs found on most flats. The lead eyes ensure the fly sinks claws-up, presenting the ideal profile. The optional weed guard allows fishing through grass without constant fouling.
