Shrimp flies open a whole new world

Shrimp flies open a whole new world. Ruben on the job.

By Skip Clement with video by Ruben Martin

Along with just a few others, Ruben Martin ties the most realistic flies in the world – flies that can be reproduced by both novice and advanced tyers if you watch him on a video.

What is unique about Martin’s flies are his techniques – all of which, so far seen, are copyable because they are always easier than accepted practices. Also, that leads to his ever-remarkable material uses – using known products and outside-the-box materials in a way no others thought of.

NOTE: This shrimp, which Martin calls Realistic Orange Shrimp, is easily adaptable to any color, tied on several different hook types and sizes as well as tied on tubes… which may best advantage the mimic by catching more of the lengthy list of game fish that regularly enjoy shrimps. 

NOTE 2. The Realistic Orange Shrimp can also be tied on a tube adding benefit to the fly’s longevity, and adding hook type to gain better purchase on an eat or a smaller hook size to benefit concealment.

Anatomy of a shrimp.

Orange Shrimp Recipe:

Hook: Ahrex NS156 Traditional shrimp # 6

Antennas: Afine monofilament painted ORANGE and black with indelible markers.

Eyes: monofilament painted ORANGE with black pupil

Rostrum: orange Arctic fox tail

Shell: transparent thermo-contractable paint orange and then craquelada black paint.

Rib: fine monofilament

Body: orange polar chenille

NOTE: Deer Creek fine UV resin is used for eye and shell termination and coating.