How to Tie: Veverka’s Mantis Shrimp

Veverka’s Mantis Shrimp Materials Kit – #4 Tan Includes:

• Thread: Ultra Thread 140 – Tan
• Hook: Tiemco 811S – #2 25pk
• Weight: Bead Chain Eyes – Lg Silver
• Eyes: EP Crab/Shrimp Eyes – Black Sm
• Feelers: Rabbit Zonker Strip – Tan
• Flash: Krystal Flash – Pearl/Black
• Tail/Body: Extra Select Craft Fur – Tan
• Legs: Sili Legs – Amber/Gold Flake

Bob Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp is a fly that you should definitely have with you anywhere in the Caribbean and in the Florida Keys. Inspiration for the pattern came from the moving appendages of a mantis shrimp when Mr. Veverka saw one on a wildlife TV program. The bug he came up with delivers that movement which has proven itself seductive to bonefish time and time again.

A pattern that can be scaled up and down in size and weight like this one is a characteristic of a hall of fame bonefish fly. So cover any water depth and situation by tying the Mantis Shrimp in size #6 with small bead chain eyes up to #2 with large bead chain eyes and small lead eyes. The #2 with large bead chain eyes tied in the video above is the most often used size in the Florida Keys. #4 with medium bead chain eyes (size in the tying kit) is the most popular size for the Bahamas.