Thank you for taking the time to work through the step-by-step guide with me. I've added a few extras, but the basic pa… For those of us who have been at this long enough, you'll remember when Greys left us some 6 (or so) years ago to become a European only brand. How to Dub a Fly (Step-By-Step With Video), Best 8 Weight Fly Reels (2021 Buyer’s Guide). And that's the Crazy Charlie. Tying a Crazy Charlie fly. Crazy Charlie Pattern Description: The Crazy Charlie is the most popular fly for bonefish throughout the world. Part-day guided bay fishing trips, fly lines, flies, fly tying materials, casting lessons, and many more items, even some special things for the ladies who do not fish. Enter your name and email and receive our 2020 Fly Fishing Gear Buyer’s Guide for free, plus get our new articles to your inbox each week. A Gold Flash Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly is perfect for the bonefish in the Bahamas and most specifically Andros Island. Once you’ve conquered the basics of the fly, especially the proportions and required weight, you can vary the colors and material used. Oct 22, 2020 - Explore Gus's board "FLY TYING, CRAZY CHARLIE", followed by 528 people on Pinterest. On this page you’ll learn all about tying flies, including the right tools and material you’ll need, individual tying techniques and how to tie the most popular patterns of fly. Stroke out any fibers that are either too long or too short. For most bonefish applications it’s important to lead the fish by a rod length or two. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Match the color of the flash to suit the fly. Firstly, they don’t have as many fly fishing products as Trident does and with Amazon, you rarely get any customer support, returns, price matches or guarantees. We are raffling off many items, a custom made fly rod, a three day guided fly fishing trip for the winner and a guest, at a cabin North of Port Mansfield. This is Part 4 of the my HD Bonefish Fly Tying Videos Series. Hold the material on top of the hook while wrapping the thread over it in a rearward direction. Leave the thread to hang freely right behind the eyes. These include: A Crazy Charlie can be used to imitate a small baitfish or a shrimp. Tie in 6 or 7b strands of the flashabou and whip finish. 2. Here’s Don’s recipe and instructions for the Crazy Charlie Fly: 1. Wind the rib forward and secure. Here at Trident, we were big fans of the Zephrus and its predecessor, the Zenith. It combines many elements of the original Crazy Charlie along with some from Lester Matsumoto’s Magic Charlie, a favorite on Hawaii’s bonefish flats. The best colors to have at hand are white, tan, and chartreuse. Hooks that I recommend are: A flat thread between 70D and 210D will work perfectly. Hook: Diachii 2546 size 4 or 6; Eyes: Bead Chain Eyes Pink; Tail: Krystal Flash; Body: Medium D Rib Clear The Crazy Charlie is the saltwater equivalent of the wooly bugger. Crazy Charlie Fly Tying Recipe: Hook: #04-08 Tiemco 811s Thread: Pink UTC 140 Eyes: Small to Medium Beadchain Eyes Wing: Pink Calf Tail Flash: Medium or Large Pearl Tinsel Body: Clear or Pink Medium D-Rib It’s an indispensable fly for the bonefish angler. Whip finish the fly with the white thread to ensure that everything is done, before this point, is secure. We review and recommend the gear, and you can shop with confidence and security on the Trident Website with free shipping on almost all orders and satisfaction guarantees on almost all products. My small book database says that I currently have 115 pattern books. It was developed by Bob Nauheim in an effort to make a fly that wouldn't snag the bottom when retrieved. Since then the Crazy Charlie has evolved to become a style of tying, rather than a specific pattern. Here on the coast it has been very effective for whiting in the clear colours - white synthetic tail with clear ribbing. This is a simple pattern to tie and is hugely effective when fished for Bonefish and even Stripers here on the Maine Coast. Easy! Charlies For thread, he’s loaded a bobbin with a spool of tan Veevus 8/0. The main features include the chartreuse over white wing and the red head. Grip the chosen hook between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand and place the hook bend between the jaws of the vise. The thread foundation provides a base for the material to be seated on. Instead of flash, you can make use of rubber legs that incorporate flash or glitter. Look no further. Although they have unique names, they still remain a Crazy Charlie variation. Remove the desired bead chain or dumbbell eyes from its packaging. This is really more of a style of fly than a particular pattern and materials can be mixed and matched according to the anglers needs. The Crazy Charlie can be tied in Tan, Pink, Chartreuse, Orange, White, Yellow, Olive and Brown! Description: A very successful fly for estuaries and gullies. Cover the exposed material with thread. Hook: Tiemco 811S Standard Saltwater Hook, Size: 8, Eyes: Hareline Bead Chain Eyes, Size: Medium, Underbody: Hareline Krystal Flash, Color: Pink. Match the color of the thread to that of the fly, the most popular colors include: Recommended Fly Tying Thread for Crazy Charlie:→ Danville’s Flymaster Plus 140 Denier Thread→ Danville’s Flat Wax 210 Denier Thread. Fly Tying, The Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly Here's a classic bonefish fly that you need to have in your box on any bonefish trip. After wrapping the D Rib up to the bead chain eyes, wrap the D Rib in a figure 8 pattern around the eyes then tie it off in front of the eyes. Pick the wing up and make one or two raps under it. Tie these eyes in with a figure 8 pattern and make sure they're positioned properly on top of the hook. And now, they're back. By Skip August 14, 2014 No Comments. When you’re happy with the whip finish, cut off the thread. Your email address will not be published. We look over everything you need to know about hackle pliers and list the best available. Did we mention it’s a simple fly to tie? After wrapping the Krystal Flash, tie it off and move your thread above the bead chain eyes. Since being introduced to fly fishing over 21 years ago, he has travelled, fished and guided across the globe. Since its inception, the Crazy Charlie has become one of the most popular Bonefish flies in the world. The length of the chartreuse fibers should be the same as the white wing. Tying the Crazy Charlie Cure the resin with a UV torch. If you don’t know how to do a whip finish, check out our easy-to-follow guide that has step-by-step video instructions just like our fly tying tutorials. Tie in the Krystal Flash and D Rib. Tips for tying a Crazy Charlie Fly Pattern including a materials list, instructional video, and much more. Tie the wing in just in front of the hook eye by making use of pinch wraps. The Ultralite replaces the Zephrus as Hardy’s high-end, freshwater rod series. Crazy Charlie. Run the thread forward to ¼ the hook shank length behind the eye. The Crazy Charlie Pink – Step 2. Your email address will not be published. Secure the eyes with figure-of-eight wraps, ensuring that they are level and straight. If the fish are going to eat, you will see an immediate reaction. The following materials are needed to tie a Crazy Charlie: A saltwater specific hook in sizes ranging from 2 to 8 is ideal. We’ll respond as promptly as possible. To achieve this we need to swap out the threads. Trim the excess material once locked in place. The Crazy Charlie bonefish fly needs no introduction, so lets cut the fluff and get right to the good stuff! We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. The Crazy Charlie was developed in the Bahamas by local guide, the late Charlie Smith, in 1977. Once the fish is close, strip once or twice to move the fly away from the fish. Wrap the Krystal Flash forward to create the body. The following specific materials were used in the step-by-step guide. You’ll never be spammed by us. Different materials can be used for the body of a Crazy Charlie. It only takes a few seconds of exposure for the UV resin to harden enough that it can be placed in your fly box. As you can see, tying a Crazy Charlie is relatively simple. Tie in the chartreuse calf’s tail in front of the eyes with pinch wraps. Improve your fly tying skills here. The classic bonefish fly. I’ve also seen it catch multiple trevally species, reef species, and even permit. Crazy Charlie A simple fly but you can catch bonefish anywhere in the world with nothing but this fly in different sizes and colors. The "Skinny Water Charlie" that we offer features a … Hold the end of the tying thread in your left hand and the bobbin (containing the thread spool) in your right hand. Tie in the tip of the chosen body material right behind the eyes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Home; Fly Tying: An Enjoyable Hobby; Salt Water; Crazy Charlie; Fly Name Hook 8-2 Thread black Wings grizzly hackle Tails none Body braided tinsel Hackle hair Wrap thread onto the hook shank from about 1mm behind the eye to the start of the hook bend. You can do this by making a couple of securing wraps around the hook shank and the eyes. We often recommend Amazon for ordering fly fishing gear online, but Amazon isn’t always the best option for shopping anglers. Invert the fly and tie in the hair securing both in front of the eyes and behind. There are a few schools of thought on this. Lock in The Thread. My favorite thread for Crazy Charlies is 140D or 210D Danville’s Flat Waxed. FLY TYING FLY TYING TOOLS BEADS AND WEIGHTS HOOKS DEPOSIT PROGRAM; TRIP DESTINATIONS; GIFT CARDS; DEALS; PAYMENT OPTION; CLEARANCE; Log in Instagram; Facebook; YouTube; Twitter; Cart. Why do we recommend shopping with Trident Fly Fishing? Place the thread over the shank of the hook, approximately ¼ of the shank length behind the eye. The Crazy Charlie Pink – Step 1. Chapter 29 Crazy Charlie 199 Chapter 30 Wrapping Up 203 Contents. Keep the wraps tight to create an even body. Lock the vise’s jaws once you’re happy with the positioning. Follow the step-by-step procedure below to learn how to tie a Crazy Charlie. Whip finish the fly twice and pull the nail knot tight. Then, wrap the thread to the back of the fly until you reach the bend of the hook. Pierre is a fly fishing guide and professional photographer who has guided and hosted trips for top fly fishing outfitters. Fly Tying, The Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly Here's a classic bonefish fly that you need to have in your box on any bonefish trip. This pattern can be tied in sizes 4 or 6 and in pink or tan! He has extensive knowledge on specific gear and tackle selection for various salt- and freshwater species. How To Tie A Crazy Charlie (Step-By-Step With Video). The Crazy Charlie is a classic Bonefish pattern that was developed on Andros Island in 1977 by Charlie Smith, a local Bahamian Bonefish guide. The TMC 811S saltwater hook is typical. If you're going Bonefishing, don't be caught without this pattern in a few sizes and colors! WELCOME TO FLY TYING 14 15 WELCOME TO FLY TYING Some thoughts on the art of fly tying, the theory of imitation and what to expect from this book There are plenty of good reasons to start tying your own flies, but The Crazy Charlie was the first bonefish fly to incorporate bead chain eyes for weight and allow the fly to ride hook point up. It is always difficult.... 2020 marks the return of Greys to the United States. Required fields are marked *. Bring your thread forward right behind the eyes. Fold them in half forming a loop on the one side. If you want to learn more about fly fishing, be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on the best fishing destinations, the newest fly gear, useful casting techniques and much more. The hook point and barb need to be exposed and the shank must be level. The Crazy Charlie is still a widely used and deadly fly. Wrap the D Rib forward. Both series represented two of the finest all-purpose 5wts in the industry during their time. Cut off the white thread. This step-by-step guide will show you how to tie a Crazy Charlie. Everyone knows the Crazy Charlie. The flash material will be added, in moderation, to the wing. Like an Alfa Spider, Greys faded out of the mainstream and into the fond memory of enthusiasts. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. The bead chain adds weight to the top of the hook, allowing the fly to ride hook point up. I've added a few extras, but the basic pattern is … The Crazy Charlie Fly Tying Video teaches you how to tie one of the most effective saltwater patterns we’ve use on bonefish. Run the thread forward to just in front of the eyes. "Crazy Charlie" bonefish flies are simple to tie and will most likely catch every fish you cast at. When you’re done doing that, you can simply cut off the excess tag end. A must have for your fly box. Home Information Fly Fishing Fly Tying Gallery Calendar Photos Links. Recommended Flash Material:→ Phecda Sport 10 Pack Colorful Fly Tying Flash. In this post and video we show you how to tie a Griffith’s Gnat fly and everything you need to tie it including tools & materials. Follow our YouTube channel for more fly tying tutorials and be sure to check back for more step-by-step fly tying instructions. Stop as soon as you reach the start of the hook bend. As the head of the fly reaches the eye of the hook, it should taper and become more narrow. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Crazy Charlie in size 6 white. For small predatory fish, the Crazy Charlie can imitate baitfish. Before becoming a full-time guide, he worked as an Electrical Engineer in South Africa. In both cases remember to keep your rod down – do not lift the rod to set. Close cart. Place the loop over the eye of the hook and secure it with thread. Food and housing are included. Jared takes us through the steps needed to tie this classic fly in our latest YouTube Fly Tying Tutorial. The fine, wavy fibers have the perfect balance between offering structure and movement. This fly is a legend in the art of chasing bonefish on the fly. Make sure to clear up the hook eye if you accidentally covered it with resin. No travelling fly fisher should leave for a tropical trip without a diverse selection of Crazy Charlie’s. Cut two long strands of the chosen flash material. Start your thread and tie in the lead eyes about a bead's length from the eye of the hook. As I gear up for a bonefish trip to Honduras I am taking everyone on a fly tying journey as I fill my fly box. These materials include: Recommended Calf Tail:→ Orvis Assorted Color Calf Tails. Wrap the body material forward with touching turns until you reach the eyes. Measure the wing so that it’s tip extends past the hook bend. Grab three or four strands of the Krystal Flash and tie them in right behind the bead chain eyes. Jul 17, 2013 | Fishing. These, especially translucent variations, give the fly a lifelike appearance. This saltwater fly can be tied in many colors, with more or less weight and with or without a weed guard. The Pillow Talk is a very popular Crazy Charlie variation used extensively for bonefish in Seychelles. Measure the Calf Tail so it extends just past the hook bend. Please feel free to leave any comments, questions, or even criticism at the bottom of the page. A Different Way to Fly Fish Florida: Snook fishing on the Myakka River. Peter starts by getting a Gamakatsu SL11-3H size 6 hook firmly secured in the jaws of his tying vise. Wrap the V-rib around the Krystal Flash and hook shank. With Trident,  you get all of that, plus great customer support from real, professional anglers who can help you shop for the best gear. An optional extra is to add a drop of super glue to the wraps. Splay the fibers out, equally, on either side of the white wing and locking in place. Make a couple of figure-of-eight wraps around the eyes and secure the body material just in front of the eyes where you left the thread hang. I like adding a strand of black Krystal Flash on each side of the wing of shrimp imitating Crazy Charlies. Fly Tying: Tie the Crazy Charlie, a fly with a long history. Trim off excess material. Tie in the Calf Tail on the underside of the hook with one loose wrap to catch the materials before tightly wrapping the Calf Tail the rest of the way. Trim the flash to the same length as the wing. Materials List. Recommended UV Glue / Resin:→ Loon Outdoors UV Clear Finish, You’ll need the following tools to tie a Crazy Charlie. Why? This will prevent material coming loose and twist around the shank. Wrap the thread forward with touching turns until you reach the hook eye. Cover the white thread and all the exposed material. Create a tapered head for the fly with touching turns. Lock the thread in place between the hook eye and weighted eyes. https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blog/how-to-tie-a-crazy-charlie Everyone knows the Crazy Charlie. The crazy charlie has been a bream fly of choice for many many years. Hold the end of the tying thread in your left hand and the … The hook must be secured well to prevent it from moving around when tying the fly. Good options include: Recommended Assorted Chenille & Flashabou:→ Croch Fly Tying Materials Kit. We are not a blog or a review site. Materials: Hook, thread, bead chain eyes, superglue (optional), body braid, Thread (if the fish are super spooky and don’t react well to flash on the fly), Thread: Danville’s 70 Denier Flat Waxed White, Head: Danville’s 210 Denier Flat Waxed Fluorescent Red. The number of fibers should be less than the white calf’s tail. The Crazy Charlie is one of the most popular Bonefish flies, and for good reason - it catches a lot of fish! Crazy Charlies can be tied in any colour under the sun and some of the most popular are tan, white, pink, chartreuse and brown. Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. Looking for the best hackle pliers for fly tying? The Crazy Charlie can be tied in many colors and sizes, with a #06 being the most popular. The Crazy Charlie is an easy tie, consisting of three primary components, a pair of eyes, wing and body. Materials List Hook: Daiichi 2546 size 4 or 6 Eyes: Bead The Crazy Charlie is the saltwater equivalent of the wooly bugger. The contents of my fairly well stocked fishing book shelves bear witness to the fact that I love fly pattern books. The Crazy Charlie is designed to swim hook point up. Home , Fly Tying , How To Tie A Crazy Charlie (Step-By-Step With Video). We hate spam like losing fish. Dave Gamet ties the Crazy Charlie fly pattern in this video. Tie in the Flash right behind the bead chain eyes then trim them slightly longer than the length of the Calf Tail. The "Skinny Water Charlie" (not pictured) is also known as a "Blind Charlie" - this fly is the same as the Crazy Charlie, but tied without the bead chain eyes - a very lightweight fly for shallow water and delicate presentations. Then tie in the D Rib with the flat side down, again, right behind the bead chain eyes. Set the hook in the vise and sharpen as necessary. Our fly tying expert teaches you how to tie a crazy charlie with step-by-step photo instructions as well as an easy-to-follow video tutorial. Cut off the excess material. To most non-fly-tying people these books might seem both very identical and quite boring. The specific Crazy Charlie variation we’re tying includes a red thread head. Some of his writing work includes blogposts for Alphonse Fishing Company and African Waters. Originally it was designed to imitate glass minnows frequently preyed on by Caribbean bonefish. The color of which should be matched to the overall color of the fly. Cut off any excess material. Background on the Crazy Charlie fly: While most fly anglers believe that Bob Nauheim from California invented the fly called Crazy Charlie fly, it was actually invented by Charles Smith from Andros Island, Bahamas. Flip the hook by rotating the jaws (if you have a rotary vise), or by removing the hook from the vise, flipping it over, and reinserting it between the jaws. This gives you a saddle to sit the barbells in and makes it easier to secure. Disclaimer: IntoFlyFishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Tying your own flies is an integral part of fly fishing. The Crazy Charlie is a classic Bonefish pattern that was developed on Andros Island in 1977 by Charlie Smith, a local Bahamian Bonefish guide. Anticipate the line the fish will swim and allow the fly to sink to the bottom. Start the thread between 1/8-inch and ¼-inch behind the hook eye. To accomplish this the wing material needs to be tied to the bottom of the fly. ... Learning to tie flies, well we have an instructional HD library of fly tying videos which you can search by species, destination, color or imitation. Great for light bottomed flats in the Bahamas. Cut a tuft of white calf’s tail from the skin and remove any loose fibers. Fly Tying; About Us Baha Fly Fishing shows you how to tie the Salt Water Crazy Charlie ... Crazy Charlie. The bead chain eyes tied on top of the hook make the fly ride inverted to this end. Place the eye on top of the hook, where the thread was left hanging. Since its inception, the Crazy Charlie has become one of the most popular Bonefish flies in the world. It also works as a killer smolt pattern in a pinch. Originator: Charles Smith Tyer: Warren Prior. Once again, lead the fish by a rod length or two. Please see our Privacy Page for more information. Bring the thread back to the bend of the hook. Tie in the Calf Tail. In most cases, this will prompt a reaction from the fish.