Fly Tying Inventory
Eric's Shrimp Gurgler
A creative saltwater surface fly designed by Red's Fly Shop guide Eric Nickum that combines the proven gurgler lip design with a shrimp-like profile. Built for redfish, snook, and baby tarpon, this pattern creates an irresistible wake and pop on the surface while maintaining a crustacean silhouette. The foam lip creates surface disturbance that draws aggressive predators from distance, while the shrimp-colored body seals the deal up close.
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Materials
Saltwater hook (Gamakatsu SC15 or equivalent), sizes 1/0-4
Tan or shrimp-pink 140 denier
Craft fur or EP Fiber in shrimp tan/pink, with Flashabou
EP Brush or palmered craft fur in tan/shrimp colors
2mm closed-cell foam strip in tan or white
Bead chain or small dumbbell eyes, black
Copper or pearl Flashabou mixed into tail
How to Tie the Eric's Shrimp Gurgler
- 1
Step 1
Mount saltwater hook and start thread at mid-shank. Tie in the foam strip at the rear, extending it past the bend.
The foam needs to extend past the bend to form the shrimp tail profile.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in craft fur or EP Fiber as a tail, mixing in several strands of Flashabou for flash.
- 3
Step 3
Tie in EP Brush or craft fur and wrap forward to create a shrimp-like body, building slightly in diameter toward the head.
- 4
Step 4
Attach bead chain or small dumbbell eyes on the underside of the hook behind the eye.
Eyes on the bottom help the fly land hook-point up and create the shrimp's prominent eye profile.
- 5
Step 5
Pull the foam strip forward over the top of the body, tying down at intervals to create segmentation. Leave excess foam extending over the eye to form the gurgler lip.
- 6
Step 6
Trim the foam lip to shape — about 1/2 inch extending past the hook eye. Whip finish and apply UV resin or cement to secure.
- 7
Step 7
Trim and shape the body fibers to create a tapered shrimp profile.
Strip the fly with short pops to maximize the gurgling surface action.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj50uxfsXTo
Credit: Red's Fly Shop