Crab patterns

[Cris]

To me flies are either tied to be as realistic as possible to work or they are a collection of stimulus colour/movement/trigger points that represents a food source
Crabs come in a huge variety of shapes sizes and colours even in a localised area
Do you think tying a multitude of more specific patterns is better or a few broader spectrum patterns in variety of sizes, colours?
Trying to improve my crab tying and the permit post got me thinking

[Paul Arden]

It's a very good question Cris. I would be very surprised if you have to "match the hatch" in terms of crabs. I've caught permit on Clousers fished like crabs. But I simply don't know, but I'll know in about 15 years I reckon

One of my experiments will be a big leaded RFU fished like a crab. I've always believed that a smudge is better than a hard outline.

Looking forward to hearing thoughts from the experts.

Cheers, Paul

[flickingfeathers]

I only carry a few patterns-velcro, hooligan crab and maybe a fleeing crab- but in different colours to roughly match or contrast the bottom colour where I'm fishing.

In most situations I think flat's fish are being quite opportunistic and aren't usually keying on a specific size/type of crab.

[Viking Lars]

Nothing is more "smudgy" than a big RFU :-).

Lars

[flickingfeathers]

I only carry a few patterns-velcro, hooligan crab and maybe a fleeing crab- but in different colours to roughly match or contrast the bottom colour where I'm fishing.

In most situations I think flat's fish are being quite opportunistic and aren't usually keying on a specific size/type of crab.

i should have mentioned that i'll carry several weights of these- that's the most important thing with crabs IMHO