The Mole Crab (Emerita sp.) is also known as Sand Crab or Sand Flea. As far as I can tell, there aren't many fly patterns trying to imitate this common beach forage. Even the ones that do, don't do a good job of replicating the hard shell of this crab. Commonly found in the surf zone of beaches, the Mole Crab is a favorite forage for Pompano and other target species that ply the surf zone of beaches. They are particularly important during spawning when the crabs hold masses of eggs on their abdomen. They are small, usually less than 1.5", compact, can't swim well and are designed to withstand pounding surf when they are not buried in the sand.
Since I try and spend a few days plying the beaches from Venice to Cortez when I visit Florida in the spring and fall, I thought I'd give a Mole Crab pattern a try using press-on nails to replicate the hard shell. I am still experimenting with various materials and tying techniques but here are a few of the initial attempts.
I think the use of medium cactus chenille for the underside is probably the best of the bunch (1st three flies). Dubbing and Polar Chenille don't work as well in my estimation. The one aspect I am pleased with is the use of either Web Wing or Thin Skin under the press-on nail to create a detailed pattern for the shell. We'll see if they manage to fool anything in a month or so.
Since I try and spend a few days plying the beaches from Venice to Cortez when I visit Florida in the spring and fall, I thought I'd give a Mole Crab pattern a try using press-on nails to replicate the hard shell. I am still experimenting with various materials and tying techniques but here are a few of the initial attempts.
I think the use of medium cactus chenille for the underside is probably the best of the bunch (1st three flies). Dubbing and Polar Chenille don't work as well in my estimation. The one aspect I am pleased with is the use of either Web Wing or Thin Skin under the press-on nail to create a detailed pattern for the shell. We'll see if they manage to fool anything in a month or so.
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