Umpqua Strong Arm Merkin Skok Olive #6

Umpqua Strong Arm Merkin Skok is a modern crab imitation developed for demanding saltwater fishing after bonefish and permit. The Strong Arm design shifts the weight so the fly rides hook point up, reducing snags on turtle grass, coral and sand while maintaining a natural profile.

The classic Merkin-style body and rubber legs give a lifelike stand-up posture on the bottom, triggering takes from spooky fish in clear, shallow water. Carefully balanced weight makes the fly sink quickly but land softly, allowing precise presentations on the flats without spooking tailing fish.

This pattern is a solid choice for destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Seychelles and other tropical flats where fish feed heavily on crabs. Fish it on a fluorocarbon leader with short strips and small pauses to let it sit and puff on the bottom like a fleeing or defensive crab.

• Type: Saltwater crab fly
• Pattern: Umpqua Strong Arm Merkin Skok
• Target species: Bonefish, permit, other tropical flats species
• Hook orientation: Rides hook point up (Strong Arm style)
• Presentation: Bottom-crab imitation with stand-up posture
• Use: Tropical flats, clear shallow water, sand and turtle grass
• Retrieve: Short strips with pauses close to the bottom