Flies for Bonefish and Permit Fishing

Merrimack River Flies

Correctly Proportioned, Durable Flies at a Reasonable Price

We thank you in advance for considering Merrimack River Flies to supply all of your bonefishing & permit fishing flies and fly boxes.  Please contact us with any questions that you may have.   While we have provided a suggested selection of flies for your next trip, we are very happy to put a selection together to meet any needs and any budget.   Your special orders are always welcome. 

A good bonefish selection includes flies that are weighted for varying water depth shallow to deeper.  Weight is categorized as 'Shallow' (mono eyes),  'Mid' (bead chain) or 'deep' (lead eyes).   Flies should be weighted  so that they sink quickly to the bottom and stay on, or near the bottom..  A fly that is stripped over the head of a bonefish/permit will never see it.  A detailed section regarding water depth and weight is included below the fly list.

Bonefish Flies

• McVay's Gotcha Fly  -- tan & pink; sizes 4 - 8
• Crazy Charlie Fly  -- tan & pink; sizes 4 - 8
• Clouser Minnow -- tan over white & green over white 
• SimRam Fly
• Brewer's Amber Shrimp
• Mini Puff -- tan & pink
• Bunny Bones -- pink; tan; grey

Permit Flies

• Del Brown's Merkin Crab -- light sand, dark sand, or mixed
• RagHead Crab Fly -- light sand
• Whisper Crab Fly
• Clouser Minnow Fly -- tan over white & green over white
• Other crab flies

Water Depth and Fly Weight

Shallow / Tailing Depth

In shallow water, be careful not to spook a bonefish or permit, by casting a fly that is too heavily weighted.  Flies that are tied with mono eyes are recommended for this type of fishing.   The bunny bone and mini-puff are good flies for this type of fishing -- be sure to specify mono eyes.  The Whisper Crab with mono eyes is a great choice for permit.  Be careful not to overstrip the fly when fishing in tailing water.   Recommended sizes are #4, 6, or 8

Mid-Water Depth

This is the typical depth for bonefishing -- ranging from 12" to 30".  Flies with bead chain eyes are best suited for this water depth.  The McVay's Gotcha, Crazy Charlie and Brewer's Amber Shrimp are all good bonefish selections.  Typical fly colors are tan, pink and white. Recommended sizes are #2 through 8 with sizes #4 and 6 being most commonly used.   Crab flies for permit should have the smallest lead eyes possible to overcome the neutral bouyancy of the body material.  Recommended sizes are #2, 4, & 6

Deep Water Depth

Water that is 36" to 48" deep will require flies that have heavy lead eyes to ensure that the fly gets to the bottom quickly -- within a 3 - 4 seconds.  The SimRam Fly is a great choice for this water depth.   Tied with lead eyes and a rabbit fur body, the fly comes alive in the water before it is stripped.  The clouser minnow in tan over white, or green over white is another favorite choice for fishing deeper water flats. 

Weed Guards

When fishing in shallow water turtle grass flats, a monofilament weed guard is necessary.   Merrimack River Flies will add a weed guard to any fly for no additional charge.   Please specify at the time of payment if any, or all of the flies need weed guards.

Sizes

The following are size suggestions based upon genralizations about bonefishing in different parts of the world. 

• Florida:  The bones run bigger in this part of the world.   Take sizes 2 & 4 in your selection. 
• Bahamas:  Size 4 & 6 work best in this part of the world.
• Belize & Mexico:  Smaller bones call for smaller flies.  Take along sizes 6 & 8.

Quantity

Merrimack River Flies are correctly proportioned, durable flies at a reasonable price; however, they are not indestructible.   Flies will be lost to barracuda, coral reefs, or break-offs.   Flies may be damaged when removing them from the mouth of a fish.  While the durability of each fly pattern varies -- it can be expected that 6 or more flies will be used during a day of bonefishing.  Please plan accordingly.  Many of the places where you fish may not have a fly shop around for several miles!