Today, we’re coming at you with step by step instructions on how to tie the Spawning Mantis Shrimp, including our own little spin on the original that we feel has made it exceptionally productive here on South Andros.
Think of it as an early Christmas gift!
Tying The Spawning Mantis Shrimp
Materials:
Hook: Tiemco 811S – sz. 2-6
Thread: 6/0 Uni Thread – Fire Orange
Tail: Single Strand of Pearl Krystal Flash, Over Tan Craft Fur, Over tuft of Flame Orange Rabbit Fur.
Legs: Rootbeer/Orange Tipped Crazy Legs
Body: Dubbed Tan Craft Fur
Eyes: Medium Black Bead Chain Eyes
Step 1: Secure thread just behind the eye of the hook.Step 2: Catch in bead chain eyes using figure eight wraps. Advance thread to just behind the hook point.Step 3: Cut a small tuft of flame orange rabbit fur from a zonker strip, and catch in at the hook point.Step 4: Trim off a healthy clump of tan Craft Fur and catch in on top of rabbit. The tail should extend roughly 1-1.5 the length of the hook shank. Cover butt ends with thread wraps and trim off at bead chain eyes. This will help in creating bulk to the body of the fly.Step 5: Catch in a single strand of Pearl Krystal Flash and double over creating a single strand on each side of the tail.Step 6: Tie in first pair of rubber legs. We prefer to tie in both sides at once by doubling a single strand over, but some find it easier to add each leg individually. Both ways work great! Tip: If using hot tipped legs, trim legs appropriately to create great looking orange tips to the legs of the fly. Step 7: Dub Craft Fur onto your thread and cover the tie in point of the legs with dubbing. Tip: The used up portion of your Craft Fur patch makes for great dubbing!Step 8: Tie in second pair of legs and cover tie in point with dubbing using the same method as before. Trim legs slightly shorter than the first set of legs.Step 9: Tie in third pair of legs and cover tie in point with dubbing using the same method as before. Trim legs slightly shorter than the second set of legs.Step 10: Dub body with a healthy amount of craft fur, creating a nice cigar shape.Step 11: Using figure eight wraps, cover the tying thread above and below bead chain eyes with dubbing. Build up a clean head, whip finish, and cement.
