Ron Ratliff's Crab

This little quarter-sized crab should be easy to cast. Although, it's not an easy pattern to tie for a beginner. However, we had several first time fly tiers do a marvelous job at their first session. That just means that the next one should be a breeze. Matthew Whittington took us through the steps of tying a fly created by his friend, Ron Ratliff. Thank you Ron for such a great pattern. If you read this, know that Matt did a great job taking us through our first edition.

This is my version of the crab fly from behind.

The Rio Grande Valley Fly Tying group met last night at Bass Pro Shop's meeting room. From the photo I had posted earlier in the month, I knew it would attract some new and veteran tiers. We weren't disappointed. Microchenille was used for legs, small black bead chain for weight, elk hair for the body, and monofilament/beads for the eyes.

Matt demonstrated the preparation of both the eyes and the legs prior to beginning the pattern. From there it was a slow, meticulous process of adding on materials at the right place and at the right time.

Variations of the same fly. Looks fish friendly.

Let's encourage others to make it to our fly tying sessions. Mike Gonzalez, Charlie Villarreal, and Matthew Whittington will be working on the 2015 fly selection which I hope to announce before the end of this month.

The flies should be a mixture of crab, shrimp, baitfish, and a freshwater pattern for a variety of Texas' gamefish.

Bernie and his daughter, a first time fly tier.

If you have a recommendation for a pattern that you would like to see send it to me via email (reyram49@gmail.com) and I'll pass it along to the fly pattern selection committee.

Gus Valencia and his nephew.

Ratliff's Crab Pattern

Join us next week as we learn from Matthew Whittington how to tie the Ratliff Crab. Matt comments that this crab was created by a friend and has been an award winning pattern for Louisiana marsh reds.

We will be meeting at the Bass Pro meeting room at 6:30 a.m. RGVFTC members will learn the pattern for free. Non members will pay a nominal fee of $2.50. All materials and vices/tools will be available if you don't have them. New members are welcome.