In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, McFly Angler ties a legendary bonefish pattern that should be in every saltwater angler’s flats box, the Crazy Charlie.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
As more snow hits New England and temperatures continue to float in the 20s, my mind naturally drifts towards warmwater species. Although a saltwater trip isn’t on the agenda for me this year, I know that is not the case for many during winter. Whether in the Indian Ocean or Florida Keys, bonefish keep novice and expert anglers alike happy and on their toes. These ghosts of the flats are no easy task on fly, but the Crazy Charlie is a pattern that has caught more bonefish debatably than any other and should certainly be there to help.
When it comes to simple it doesn’t get much better than this. If the Clouser Minnow isn’t your first saltwater pattern, it’s likely this could be a perfect fit. Only using a few materials creates a simple and buggy profile that bonefish can’t resist. With its ease of tying and durability, novice anglers can watch their own Crazy Charlie get eaten on the flats time and time again.
Depending on the bonefish you are chasing, typically rods in the 7-9wt range will offer enough backbone. These fish won’t show mercy in their runs and cheap gear will be exposed quickly, making it imperative to bring a reel with a strong drag. Breaking or losing a few off during the day is expected, but preparing batches in several variations is wise especially when factoring in changing conditions. The Crazy Charlie is just one of those staple patterns that will live in infamy in saltwater fly fishing and should occupy a good chunk of real estate in your fly box.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Gamakatsu SL11 – Size 6
- Thread: Veevus 6/0 – Pink
- Eyes: Beadchain Eyes Medium – Silver
- Glue: Loctite Brush On
- Rib: Vinyl Rib – Clear
- Body Flash: Saltwater Flashabou – Pearl
- Wing: Calf Tail – Tan
- Antenna: Midge Krystal Flash – Pearl
- Cement: Solarez Bone Dry Ultra Thin UV Resin
Now you know how to tie the Crazy Charlie!
Video and ingredients courtesy of McFly Angler.
