SaltwaterFlip Flop Bonefish
The Flip Flop Bonefish is a versatile saltwater pattern designed to target bonefish on tropical flats. This shrimp imitation features a craft fur body and tail that provides excellent movement in the water, paired with bead chain eyes for weight and a natural swimming action. The distinctive pink mono eyes tipped with UV resin add a realistic touch that mimics the eyestalks of natural shrimp, while pink Super Floss legs provide additional movement and attraction.
Year Round
Intermediate
Bonefish
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases an effective approach to bonefish flies with its unique mono eyes tipped with pink UV resin. The combination of the bead chain weight and the buoyant craft fur body creates a fly that settles slowly to the bottom while maintaining an enticing, fluttering action. The craft fur provides incredible movement even at rest, mimicking the natural motion of a shrimp trying to escape. The pink accents throughout the pattern serve as trigger points that bonefish find irresistible.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 811S, #4
Thread: UTC 140, shell pink
Weight: Bead Chain Eyes, large silver
Eyes: Hard Mono, 15lb (with Pink Solarez)
Tail: Craft Fur, tan
Flash: Krystal Flash, copper and black
Body: Craft Fur, tan
Legs: Super Floss, pink
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in tropical and subtropical bonefish destinations. Prime fishing often occurs during spring and fall when conditions are most stable.
Presentation
Cast well ahead of cruising bonefish and let the fly settle before beginning a slow, stripping retrieve. The bead chain eyes ensure the fly lands softly enough not to spook wary fish while still getting down in the water column.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing sandy flats where shrimp are abundant. The tan coloration blends naturally with sandy bottoms while the pink accents provide enough contrast to grab attention.
Water Type
Designed for saltwater flats, particularly sandy and turtle grass areas where bonefish actively feed on shrimp and crustaceans.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 10-12 lb fluorocarbon tippet. Use a weight-forward floating line for most flat fishing situations. The bead chain weight is ideal for skinny water where heavier flies would spook fish.
Visibility & Floatation
The tan craft fur provides excellent camouflage on sandy flats. The fly sinks slowly with an enticing flutter thanks to the bead chain weight. The pink mono eyes and legs add subtle flash without spooking wary fish.
