This addition of a Strong Arm claw gives crab and shrimp flies added appeal and is catching permit, bones and more
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UNI Products Fly Tiers Corner
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Saltwater Edition
March 2024
Article and photos by Mike Conner
Fly tyers now have a plethora of “body parts” on the tying market that give their saltwater pattern creations more appeal. Monofilament eye stalks, rubber legs and streamer brush are just a few examples. Now, tyers can turn out a deadly fly called the Strong Arm. Actually, the term Strong Arm refers to the single claw appendage that works well on both crab and shrimp patterns. They can be homemade or “store-bought.”
This addition of a prominent claw caught on in the Florida Keys around 2019 and is considered a new version of the original Merkin (Del Brown Permit Fly). Expert tyer Dave Skok introduced it as the Strong Arm Merkin to Capt. Nathaniel Linville of Key West. Reportedly, the two were simply out to improve the catch rate on permit, and ended up with a fly that has now duped a few hundred permit in the Florida Keys, and placed first or second in 8 of the last 11 permit tournaments.
The Strong Arm claw simply replaces the original splayed hackles that Brown selected to imitate crab claws. The rest of the crab fly still requires a series of trimmed material (yarn or similar) strands and rubber hackles The arm appendage certainly is easier to tie in and more durable than hackles.
But it is not just for Merkins. I tie in a single claw to make an impressionistic snapping shrimp or a small mantis shrimp for both bonefish and redfish. Freshwater fly fishers might consider tying one or two in for a crawfish imitation. Tie in two claws if you insist. But the single stands out well.
To make your own claws, start with a 7-inch strand of Ultra Chenille, which is stiffer than many chenilles. I find that this is long enough to tie an overhand knot in the doubled length. When you make a loose overhand knot, then slide the knot down to one end of the doubled strands before tightening it. Then snip the loop to make two claw “pinchers.”
You can tip the claws with head cement, or, as I prefer, burn the tips with a lighter (as is done for mono shrimp/crab eyes) and then mark them with a red waterproof Sharpie or Prismacolor pen.
Choose a color of chenille that matches or contrasts with the general body color of your fly. I like olive green, tan, light orange, but also use chartreuse—use your imagination! A bright claw might just get the bite, especially in murky water.
Materials— No. 2 hook of choice, chartreuse 6/0, size small dumbbell lead eye (for deep fish) or medium/large bead chain (for shallow fish), homemade Ultra Chenille claw (or a commercial claw made by Streamart (www.beastbrushes.com), 3 or 4 rubber hackles (optional), Hareline Senyo Laser Dub (tan)
