SaltwaterKind Herb Bonefish
The Kind Herb Bonefish is Charlie Craven's elegant shrimp imitation designed specifically for sight-fishing bonefish on tropical flats. This sparse, impressionistic pattern features bead chain eyes for a subtle sink rate, a polar fiber tail that mimics shrimp appendages, shredded pearl diamond braid flash for attraction, and a Senyo's Laser Dub body that creates a translucent, lifelike profile. The shell pink thread adds warmth to the overall coloration.
Year Round
Intermediate
Bonefish
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box demonstrates the effectiveness of sparse, well-tied bonefish flies that don't spook wary fish on clear flats. The Kind Herb uses lighter bead chain eyes instead of heavy lead eyes, giving the fly a slower sink rate that keeps it in the strike zone longer over shallow sand flats. The polar fiber tail provides lifelike movement without bulk, while the shredded diamond braid adds subtle flash that mimics the translucent quality of natural shrimp. The Laser Dub body creates an impressionistic silhouette that suggests prey without triggering refusal from educated fish.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 811s, #4-6
Thread: UTC 140 Denier, shell pink
Eyes: Bead Chain Eyes (stainless steel), small
Tail: Polar Fibre, shrimp
Flash: Diamond Braid, pearl (shredded)
Body: Senyo's Laser Dub, tan
Fishing Tips
Season
Effective year-round in tropical and subtropical bonefish destinations. Peak fishing typically coincides with warmer months when bonefish actively cruise shallow flats.
Presentation
Cast well ahead of cruising or tailing fish and let the fly sink to the bottom. Use short, slow strips to animate the fly when fish approach. The subtle sink rate from the bead chain eyes allows natural movement without diving into the substrate.
When to Use
Select this pattern when fishing clear, shallow flats where bonefish are wary of heavy splashdowns and bulky flies. The sparse profile and light eyes make it ideal for spooky fish in calm conditions.
Water Type
Designed for saltwater flats fishing, particularly over sand, turtle grass, and marl bottoms where bonefish hunt shrimp and crustaceans.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-10 foot leader tapering to 10-12 lb fluorocarbon tippet. The fluorocarbon helps the fly sink and provides abrasion resistance around coral and shells.
Visibility & Floatation
The shell pink coloration and tan body blend with sandy bottoms while the flash provides enough visibility for fish to locate the fly. The bead chain eyes provide a gentle sink without heavy splashing.
