Saltwater Fly Patterns

Copper Flash Clouser

      Redfish have always fascinated me.  In my youth a Channel Bass over 40 pounds was the gold standard of being a competent pier or surf angler.  Time was when I considered it sporting to dead bait these magnificent gamefish with an 11 foot rod which had a tip diameter of 32 mm.  Today I chase them with rods that have a butt diameter less than 12 mm.  Somehow soaking a 4 inch hunk of mullet impaled with a 9/0 hook and held on the bottom with 8 oz of lead, just does not seem quite so sporting.

      I like any fly that redfish like, and they really like this one.  In clear water or dirty water, in the shallows or in the deep, this fly is seldom rejected.  If they are going to accept any fly at all, redfish generally will take this flashy version of a Clouser.

      With at least 20 strands of copper Flashabou sandwiched between the upper and lower wing, and a good topping of copper or gold Crystal Flash on top, this is a fly that stands out in the muddy backwaters that reds like. 

      I seldom tie this pattern larger than a 1/0.  For a larger "crab" presentation I like a Marabou Crab.  

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