Umpqua Contraband Floating Crab

The Bahamian dime featuring a bonefish breaching like a tarpon, always intrigued me. I wondered why they would portray bonefish in that manner. Then I thought, "Wait a minute… do bonefish actually feed on the surface?" Had I been missing something this whole time?

Despite designing plenty of floating crab patterns for picky permit in Belize and Mexico, the idea of throwing a topwater bug at bonefish had never crossed my mind. One of my recent creations—an evolution of my Contraband Crab—features a Gurgler-style foam lip that skitters across the surface just enough to coax a bite from juvenile permit and tarpon. So, I figured I would tie it up slightly smaller and give it a go on bones.

For most dyed-in-the-wool bonefish junkies, the thought of throwing topwater at tailers is way off the radar. It’s just not something you do… until you do. After watching a bonefish charge down a floating crab firsthand, I can say without hesitation—it’s pure magic! And if you’re bored of tying Gotchas and Charlies, this might be just the creative curveball your fly box needs. 

Signature Tyer Drew Chicone