Capt. Dexter Simmons'

Bonefish and Permit Shrimp Fly.

This fly has evolved into a winning pattern for Bonefish and Permit on the deepwater flats of the Keys and the Bahamas. The fly has caught 30 Bonefish in one day on the Exuma Hartswell flats where it was first developed by Capt. Dexter. The photo above shows a sparsely tied pattern, with a very simple white craft fur tail, and the wing is made up of tan craft fur and pink/tan crystal flash. The body consists of pink flat waxed nylon thread coated with glitter glue and epoxy. The head on this original pattern is a 7/32 or 8/32 dumbell eye to help sink the fly on deeper flats. When you fish shallow flats, have some tied with 5/32 or 6/32 eyes for less sinking power.

Tied on a #1,or #2 saltwater (stainless steel) hook, this pattern is especially effective when Bonefish or Permit are mudding on the deeper water flats. The fly is presented near the mudding fish so that the fish will see it as it sinks to the bottom. A twitching strip will induce an instinctual take. I have even tried this fly tied on a 2/0 hook for rolling or laid up Tarpon with some success..