6 Saltwater Flies for beginners and Tying Techniques

In this article I try to help you choose the best flies for you and how to tie them. Just follow those tips and you will find the best flies for you.

Table of Contents

1. Clouser Minnow
2. Lefty’s Deceiver
3. EP Peanut Butter
4. Alphlexo Crab
5. Avalon Shrimp
6. EP Baitfish

Picture yourself on the sun-kissed shores, rod in hand, waves lapping at your ankles. The thrill of saltwater fly fishing awaits! But which flies should you tie? Fear not—we’ve curated the top six saltwater flies that’ll have fish dancing on your line. From bonefish to tarpon, these patterns are your secret weapon. So grab your vise, thread that bobbin, and let’s dive into the world of saltwater fly tying.

1. Clouser Minnow 

The All-Rounder

The Clouser Minnow is the Swiss Army knife of saltwater flies. Its weighted eyes make it dive like a fleeing baitfish, and the white and chartreuse bucktail imitates shimmering scales. Tie it on, and you’re ready for anything—from stripers to redfish.

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How to tie a Clouser Minnow:

The Clouser Minnow, born from Bob Clouser’s vise, is a saltwater workhorse—a fly that whispers secrets to striped bass, redfish, and countless other species. Let’s tie this versatile pattern step by step:

1. Choose the Right Hook:

   • Opt for a sturdy saltwater streamer hook (sizes 2/0 to 4/0). The hook’s strength matters when battling powerful fish.

2. Thread Foundation:

   • Secure the hook in your vise and lay down a smooth thread base along the shank. This provides stability for the materials.

3. Attach Weighted Eyes:

   • Tie in weighted dumbbell eyes near the hook eye. These give the Clouser its signature jigging action.

4. Tail with Bucktail:

   • Select bucktail fibers in white and chartreuse.
   • Tie them in at the rear of the hook to form the tail. Keep it sparse and flowing.

5. Wrap the Body:

   • Wrap your thread forward, creating a tapered body.
   • Add a touch of flash material (like pearl Krystal Flash) for extra allure.

6. Wing with Bucktail:

   • Choose bucktail fibers in white.
   • Tie them in on top of the hook shank, extending just past the tail.
   • Shape the wing to create a taper.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess.
   • Admire your Clouser Minnow—a promise of lifelike movement and irresistible allure.

May this fly dance upon the tides, enticing hungry predators. Tie on, cast out, and let the saltwater tell its tale.

2. Lefty’s Deceiver

The Tarpon Whisperer

Lefty Kreh’s Deceiver is a legend. Flashabou adds bling, and bucktail wings scream “dinner.” It’s your ticket to silver kings and striped bass.

How to tie a Lefty’s Deceiver:

The Lefty’s Deceiver, born from the mind of angling legend Lefty Kreh, is a saltwater classic—a fly that whispers secrets to striped bass, tarpon, and redfish alike. Let’s tie this versatile pattern step by step:

1. Choose the Right Hook:

   • Opt for a sturdy saltwater streamer hook (sizes 2/0 to 4/0). The hook’s strength matters when battling powerful fish.

2. Thread Foundation:

   • Secure the hook in your vise and lay down a smooth thread base along the shank. This provides stability for the materials.

3. Tail with Bucktail:

   • Select bucktail fibers in white and chartreuse.
   • Tie them in at the rear of the hook to form the tail. Keep it sparse and flowing.

4. Add Flashabou:

   • Tie in a few strands of Flashabou on top of the bucktail tail. This adds shimmer and attraction.

5. Wrap the Body:

   • Wrap your thread forward, creating a tapered body.
   • Add a touch of flash material (pearl Krystal Flash) for extra allure.

6. Wing with Bucktail:

   • Select bucktail fibers in white.
   • Tie them in on top of the hook shank, extending just past the tail.
   • Shape the wing to create a taper.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess.
   • Admire your Lefty’s Deceiver—a promise of lifelike movement and irresistible allure.

May this fly dance upon the tides, enticing hungry predators. Tie on, cast out, and let the saltwater tell its tale. 

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3. EP Peanut Butter

Shrimp on the Menu

Enrico Puglisi’s EP Peanut Butter is a shrimp cocktail for fish. Tan and olive fibers scream “shrimp buffet,” and silky legs wobble seductively.

How to tie a EP Peanut Butter:

The EP Peanut Butter, born from Enrico Puglisi’s vise, is a saltwater baitfish classic—a morsel that whispers secrets to hungry predators. Let’s tie this enticing pattern step by step:

1. Choose the Right Hook:

   • Opt for a short-shanked saltwater hook (sizes 4 to 3/0). It should be sturdy enough to withstand battles with bonefish and other feisty species.

2. Thread Foundation:

   • Secure the hook in your vise and lay down a clear monofilament 6/0 thread base along the shank. Clear thread won’t interfere with the fly’s appearance.

3. Tail & Body Accents:

   • Use red EP Sparkle Fibers (or similar fine flash material) for the tail and body accents. These add a touch of attraction.

4. Layer Black and Purple EP Fibers:

   • Create a dubbing loop with black and purple EP Fibers.
   • Wrap the dubbing forward, forming the body up to 2 eye lengths behind the hook eye.

5. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess.
   • Admire your EP Peanut Butter—a promise of lifelike movement and irresistible allure.

May this fly dance upon the tides, enticing the ocean’s hungry patrons. Tie on, cast out, and let the saltwater tell its tale. 

4. Alphlexo Crab

The Crustacean Impersonator

The Alphlexo Crab is a sneaky little critter that imitates—you guessed it—a crab. Its lifelike appearance fools permit, bonefish, and redfish alike. The secret sauce? A realistic silhouette and a touch of movement.

How to tie a Alphlexo Crab:

The Alphlexo Crab, born in the salt-sprayed air of Cuba, whispers secrets to the Atlantic Permit. Its silhouette—a promise of something irresistible—captures the essence of the flats. Let’s tie this magical pattern step by step:

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1. Choose the Right Hook:

   • Select a sturdy saltwater hook (size 2/0 to 4/0). The hook’s strength matters when battling these silver ghosts.

2. Thread Foundation:

   • Secure the hook in your vise and lay down a smooth thread base along the shank. Stability is key.

3. Tail with Marabou:

   • Use marabou feathers in natural colors like tan or light brown.
   • Tie them in at the rear of the hook to form the tail. Keep it sparse and flowing.

4. Add Saddle Hackle:

   • Choose saddle hackle feathers (again, tan or light brown).
   • Tie them in just ahead of the marabou tail. These hackles create movement and lifelike action.

5. Build the Body:

   • Wrap your thread forward, creating a tapered body. Keep it slim and streamlined.
   • Add a touch of flash material (like pearl Krystal Flash) for extra allure.

6. Incorporate Flash:

   • Tie in a few strands of flash material on top of the body. This mimics scales or the glimmer of prey.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess.
   • A drop of head cement ensures durability.

As you tie, imagine the Alphlexo dancing upon the tides—a promise fulfilled, a connection between water and sky. May your knots be true, and may this fly lead you to whispered encounters with the elusive Permit.

5. Avalon Shrimp

Sculpted for Success

The Avalon Shrimp is a work of art. Designed for stalking wary bonefish on the flats, it features a realistic profile, translucent materials, and a dash of magic. When bonefish are picky, this fly often seals the deal.

How to tie a Avalon Shrimp:

The Avalon Shrimp, born in the salt-sprayed air of Cuba, whispers secrets to the Atlantic Permit. Its silhouette—a promise of something irresistible—captures the essence of the flats. Let’s tie this magical pattern step by step:

1. Choose the Right Hook:

   • Select a sturdy saltwater hook (size 2/0 to 4/0). The hook’s strength matters when battling these silver ghosts.

2. Thread Foundation:

   • Secure the hook in your vise and lay down a smooth thread base along the shank. Stability is key.

3. Tail with Marabou:

   • Use marabou feathers in natural colors (tan or light brown).
   • Tie them in at the rear of the hook to form the tail. Keep it sparse and flowing.

4. Add Saddle Hackle:

   • Choose saddle hackle feathers (again, tan or light brown).
   • Tie them in just ahead of the marabou tail. These hackles create movement and lifelike action.

5. Build the Body:

   • Wrap your thread forward, creating a tapered body. Keep it slim and streamlined.
   • Add a touch of flash material (like pearl Krystal Flash) for extra allure.

6. Incorporate Flash:

   • Tie in a few strands of flash material on top of the body. This mimics scales or the glimmer of prey.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess.
   • A drop of head cement ensures durability.

As you tie, imagine the Avalon dancing upon the tides—a promise fulfilled, a connection between water and sky. May your knots be true, and may this fly lead you to whispered encounters with the elusive Permit. 

6. EP Baitfish

The Baitfish Bonanza

The EP Baitfish is a versatile pattern that mimics various baitfish species. Whether you’re chasing tarpon, snook, or jacks, this fly delivers. Its slim profile and lifelike movement make it a go-to choice.

How to tie a Ep Baitfish:

Tying an EP Baitfish is an exciting endeavor, especially if you’re aiming to fool predatory fish in both freshwater and saltwater. Let’s walk through the steps:

1. Choose the Right Hook:

   • Opt for a sturdy saltwater hook (around size 2/0 to 4/0). The hook’s strength matters when battling aggressive fish.

2. Thread Foundation:

   • Secure the hook in your vise and lay down a smooth thread base along the shank. This provides stability for the materials.

3. Tail with Marabou:

   • Select marabou feathers in natural colors like tan or light brown.
   • Tie them in at the rear of the hook to form the tail. Keep it sparse and flowing.

4. Add Saddle Hackle:

   • Choose saddle hackle feathers (again, tan or light brown).
   • Tie them in just ahead of the marabou tail. These hackles create movement and lifelike action.

5. Build the Body:

   • Wrap your thread forward, creating a tapered body. Keep it slim and streamlined.
   • You can add a touch of flash material (like pearl Krystal Flash) for extra allure.

6. Incorporate Flash:

   • Tie in a few strands of flash material on top of the body. This mimics scales or the glimmer of prey.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess.
   • A drop of head cement ensures durability.

Remember, the EP Baitfish whispers secrets to the water—a promise of something irresistible. Tie it meticulously, and may it dance upon the tides, enticing hungry predators.

7. Semper

The Stealth Assassin

The Semper is a stealthy assassin for hunting bonefish and permit. Its sparse design and natural colors make it irresistible. Picture a ghostly shrimp gliding across the flats—that’s the Semper.

How to tie a Semper:

Tying a Semper is an artful endeavor, especially when you’re chasing bonefish or permit. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Secure the Hook in the Vise:

   • Choose a sturdy saltwater hook (size 2/0 to 4/0) and secure it in your vise. The hook must be anchored well to withstand the fight.

2. Lock in the Thread:

   • Start your thread wraps near the hook eye and work your way down the shank. A strong foundation ensures durability.

3. Lay a Thread Foundation:

   • Create a smooth thread base along the shank. This will help secure the materials and prevent slippage.

4. Tie in Marabou Tail:

   • Select marabou feathers in a natural color (tan or light brown). Tie them in at the rear of the hook to form the tail. Keep it sparse and flowing.

5. Add Saddle Hackle:

   • Choose saddle hackle feathers (tan or light brown) and tie them in just ahead of the marabou tail. These will create movement and lifelike action.

6. Build the Body:

   • Wrap your thread forward, creating a tapered body. You can add a touch of flash material (pearl Krystal Flash) for extra allure.

7. Incorporate Flash:

   • Tie in a few strands of flash material on top of the body. This mimics scales or glimmering prey.

8. Wrap Saddle Hackle:

   • Wrap the saddle hackle forward, creating a full and buggy appearance. Secure it with tight thread wraps.

9. Finishing Touches:

   • Whip finish your thread and trim any excess. A drop of head cement ensures longevity.

Remember, the Semper whispers secrets to the fish—a promise of something irresistible. Tie it with care, and may it dance upon the tides.