SaltwaterRagin Craven
The Ragin Craven is a versatile crayfish and crab imitation designed for carp, bass, and saltwater species. This pattern features plated lead eyes for a jigging action, craft fur for the body, spreader, and mouth components, furnace hackle claws, krystal flash antennae, and rubber legs for movement. A mono weed guard protects the hook point when fishing around structure and vegetation, making it ideal for flats fishing and challenging environments.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Carp, Bass, Redfish
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box represents a purpose-built crayfish and crab imitation optimized for sight-fishing to carp and other wary species. The pattern name is a playful nod to the designer. The construction emphasizes a realistic profile and enticing movement - the craft fur body pulses in the water while the rubber legs and hackle claws create lifelike action. The weighted lead eyes give the fly a jigging motion and ensure it rides hook-point-up for reduced snags. The weed guard is essential for fishing the vegetated flats and structure where carp typically feed. The fluorescent green thread adds a subtle color accent visible through the tan materials.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 811s, #4
Thread: Veevus 8/0, fluorescent green
Eyes: Lead Eyes (plated), medium
Antennae: Krystal Flash, black and rootbeer
Spreader: Craft Fur, tan
Mouth: Craft Fur, tan
Claws: Streamer Cape (Whiting), furnace
Body: Craft Fur, tan
Legs: Rubber Legs (round medium), white or natural
Weed Guard: Mason Hard Mono, 12lb
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring, summer, and fall when carp and bass are actively feeding in shallow water. Peak effectiveness occurs during warmer months when fish are cruising flats.
Presentation
Cast ahead of cruising fish and let the fly sink to the bottom. Use short, slow strips to impart a crawling action that mimics a fleeing crayfish. The lead eyes cause the fly to dive on the pause, creating an enticing jigging motion.
When to Use
Select this pattern when sight-fishing for carp on flats, targeting bass around structure, or pursuing redfish in shallow water. Effective whenever fish are feeding on crustaceans near the bottom.
Water Type
Versatile pattern for both moving water and stillwater. Works well on carp flats, bass lakes, river backwaters, and saltwater flats where crustaceans are present.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-foot leader tapering to 10-12 lb fluorocarbon tippet. The weed guard allows fishing near vegetation and structure with reduced snags. Use a floating line and let the weighted fly sink to the bottom.
Visibility & Floatation
This is a bottom-oriented pattern designed to sink and crawl along the substrate. The tan coloration matches natural crayfish while the rubber legs and craft fur create movement that attracts fish. The plated lead eyes add subtle flash.
