We are huge fans of Dave Skok's Strong Arm Merkin, you cannot argue with the results. The fascinating thing about this fly is its use of Buoyancy and Drag to keep the fly where it needs to be as opposed to using weight like traditional Merkins and shrimps. We also know that the claw and the way it's prepared then tied, has a huge part to do with this. Dave originally ties his with large ultra chenille, tying the chenille around the bend of the hook and setting the arm and claw in resin so that it doesn't move. Also being quoted saying "Do not be random or sloppy about the angle and straightness of the claw as it has great impact on how the fly swims and sinks." This claw is an alternative to the work needed for the Chenille, no resin, no guess work as to how far to tie around the bend, no smell (no resin or glue), designed to use it's drag in the water during it's descent to keep it hook point up, consistent size, faster and dead straight every time. We feel that it respects the ingenuity that Dave showed with developing the Strong Arm Merkin, and the claw is a fine alternative to chenille. Our Claw, has no halves, no gluing needed at all (reduces smell), no trimming needed either. And.... our claws fold up on the eat and then go straight back into shape !!
