The Small Arm Shrimp is a specialized pattern designed for saltwater anglers targeting permit, bonefish, and triggerfish on the flats. This fly combines the slender profile of a shrimp with the distinct "arm" feature found on the famous Strong Arm Merkin crab fly. It is a must-have pattern for your box because it offers a unique trigger that convinces picky fish to eat when standard shrimp flies are refused.What It ImitatesThis pattern mimics a shrimp in a defensive or spawning posture. The prominent claw or "arm" extending from the side of the body adds a realistic silhouette that looks like a large claw or egg sack. This extra appendage creates lifelike movement and convinces predatory fish that the fly is a substantial and vulnerable meal.How To Use ItFish this fly on the bottom or just above the sand on shallow flats. Cast it well ahead of cruising fish to avoid spooking them. Use long, slow strips to crawl the fly along the bottom, or use short, sharp strips to make the arm kick and vibrate. Allow the fly to settle if a fish follows it, as the resting posture often triggers the strike from tailing permit or bonefish.When To Use ItTie this pattern on when fishing shallow saltwater flats, especially when targeting permit and large bonefish. It performs well in both sunny and cloudy conditions because the unique arm creates a distinct shadow and profile. This is an excellent choice when fish are pressured and ignoring simpler, less realistic patterns.Why We Like ItWe love how this fly borrows the best feature of a crab fly and applies it to a shrimp body. The added arm gives it a realistic presence in the water that other shrimp patterns lack. It sinks quickly but lands softly, making it perfect for presenting to spooky fish in skinny water without causing a disturbance.ComparisonsSmall Arm Shrimp vs Strong Arm Merkin: The Strong Arm Merkin is a classic crab pattern with a wide, round body. The Small Arm Shrimp uses the same claw concept but on a slender shrimp body. Choose the Merkin when fish are focused on crabs, and switch to the Small Arm Shrimp when they are hunting shrimp or require a subtler presentation.Small Arm Shrimp vs Avalon Fly: The Avalon Fly uses a heavy bead keel system to get deep fast. The Small Arm Shrimp is lighter and lands with less splash. Use the Avalon in deeper water or strong currents, but pick the Small Arm Shrimp for shallower flats where a delicate presentation is required.Small Arm Shrimp vs Crazy Charlie: The Crazy Charlie is a simple, sparse fly that acts as a general attractor. The Small Arm Shrimp is a realistic imitator with more bulk and moving parts. If fish are aggressive, the Crazy Charlie works fine, but when fish are inspecting the fly closely, the realistic details of the Small Arm Shrimp will produce better results.
