Umpqua

A Jan Isley original. This is one of the first crab patterns to upgrade from the original Merkin. Designed on the flats of the Yucatan for permit, in smaller sizes it has proven to be very effective for bonefish as well. Don't limit yourself to Mexico with this one as it can be a game changer in Belize and flats all over the world.

This is the original, bunny strip Toad designed by Gary Merriman (Fish Hawk, Atlanta). After several years, the only difference is minor: today's Toad is generally tied and fished slightly smaller than originally designed. And yes the rabbit strip is correct, tied skin–side up. Tarpon see the strip from below the fly. The Toad Too has the marabou tail. One of the two versions (bunny or marabou) is the very fly shown in the mouths of all tarpon in every magazine ad and has been the winning fly (especially when fished by Andy Mill) in more tournaments and is well known by every guide in tarpon–land. It is the hottest pattern of all time for tarpon in the Keys and beyond.

"The Bendback fly has been proven as one of the most weedless and snag free fly patterns of all time. Some of the best fishing happens around snags, rocks and vegetation and getting your fly snagged up at the worst moment is painful. Unlike other patterns that rely on mono weed guards, Chewy’s Bender is naturally snag free by design. Chewy’s Bender also improved the swimming and balance of the original bendback by using Umpqua’s Tungsten Jig Bombs and XS435 hook. Chewy’s Bender is the softest landing, best fishing weedless fly for a multitude of species and depths." - Signature Tyer Dave Chouinard