Merkin Crab

Merkin Crab – The Legendary Permit & Flats Crab Fly

The Merkin Crab is more than a fly—it's a time-tested legend. Its lifelike design, weighted precision, and adaptability make it a must-have for flats anglers targeting crustacean feeders like permit, bonefish, and striped bass. Crafted by the ingenuity of Del Brown—arguably the most successful permit angler ever—the Merkin Crab is considered the “Deceiver of crab patterns,” and remains a cornerstone in flats anglers’ fly boxes worldwide.

Developed in the early 1980s by Del Brown and refined by Steve Huff, this pattern revolutionized permit fishing and has since become a top choice for bonefish, tarpon, redfish, and striped bass. The fly’s shape and weighted setup make it drop straight to the bottom in a crab’s defensive posture—pincers raised—mirroring how real crabs freeze in danger. This dynamic presentation is what makes it exceptionally effective

• Lightweight synthetic body: Built with EP Fibers, it blends natural tan and brown color tones while remaining light and easy to cast
  

• Weighted eyes: Equipped with heavy silver or brass lead eyes (or bead chain), it rides point-up and sinks rapidly—essential for bottom-skimming behavior
  

• Rubber legs & accented details: Features white rubber legs with red tips for realistic motion, trimmed body shape, and grizzly hackle tails for texture and action
  

• Strong, corrosion-resistant hooks: Tied on saltwater-ready Mustad or Gamakatsu hooks (sizes 1/0–6), it stands up to the rigors of saltwater flats environments.