About the Spawning Shrimp Tan Saltwater Fly
The Spawning Shrimp Tan is a deadly flats pattern that mimics a shrimp at its most vulnerable; drifting, flicking and giving off that “easy meal” impression that bonefish find hard to ignore. In this tan colourway it’s a natural match over sand and light bottom, while the bright trigger section and long feelers add just enough contrast to help fish lock on.
This fly combines bead-chain eyes for a clean presentation, a lightly dressed shrimp body, a hot spot, and extended rubber legs/feelers that keep working even when the fly is barely moved.
Fishing Tips:
How it works
- Shrimp profile with extra cues: The hot spot and extended feelers suggest a live shrimp with movement and intent, rather than a static imitation.
- Legs that do the talking: Rubber legs and feelers wave and kick on the pause; often the exact moment a following fish tips down to eat.
- Balanced, flats-friendly sink: The bead-chain eyes help it drop into the feeding zone without crashing down, ideal for shallow water and wary fish.
- Natural tan base: A consistent producer as a bonefish fly, especially in bright conditions where subtle tones look most believable.
How to fish it
- Lead the fish and allow a brief settle before the first strip.
Use a short strip–pause retrieve to imitate a shrimp scooting, then stopping (the legs keep moving during the pause).- Keep it close to the bottom; if you’re never ticking the deck, slow down or let it sink longer.
- If fish are hesitant, reduce the strip length and lengthen pauses. If they’re charged up, add a slightly quicker “dart”.
- Set with a firm strip-strike, then lift once you feel weight.
Country of origin for this saltwater fly: United States
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