In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, All Points Fly Shop & Outfitter ties a striped bass fly that every saltwater angler in New England should know, the Crouser.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
Peak summer and sweltering heat have hit most of the United States, giving way to some fantastic wet wading opportunities. It’s best to remember our trout friends become stressed this time of year with water temps on the rise, but this opens to door to other fantastic species to target. Striped bass in New England are no secret but may intimidate anglers not familiar with saltwater fly fishing, which is very justifiable. A fly that beginners can tie and start their striped bass fishing adventure confidently with is the Crouser.
This deadly combination of crab and Clouser Minnow is easy to tie and perfect for someone’s first saltwater fly on the vise. The video itself offers great detail and explanation for each step which only helps those who are not as experienced. When working with bucktail, take your time as a novice and make sure to not rush over proportions. The Crouser is simple fly that thankfully won’t cause many headaches on the vise or water.
Changing the colors of this pattern allows you to target a wide variety of other species, such as smallmouth bass, bonefish, and permit. That being said, tan and green will work wonders on striped bass feeding on crabs and small prey items on the flats. Enjoy the process of trying out several colors and sizes both on the vise and water to see what produces best in different conditions. The Crouser isn’t flashy in design but will keep your lines tight and summer fulfilled on the water.
Ingredients:
- Hook: Gamakatsu SL12S
- Eyes: Painted Lead
- Bucktail: Dyed Bucktail – Green
- Dubbing: Hareline Dubbin – Green
- Legs: EP Sili Legs – Green
- Flash: Krystal Flash
Now you know how to tie the Crouser!
Video and ingredients courtesy of All Points Fly Shop & Outfitter.
Last Updated on August 6, 2024 by Max Inchausti
