Published Jun 20. 2010 - 13 years ago
Updated or edited Nov 17. 2015

Ninja Toe Biter

Since we all know that "Stripahs" never eat crabs... ['get stuck on the way down!?]... Well, maybe sometimes... Follow Pete Grays easy crab tie using mesh, rubber legs, glue and sand.

Toe biters -
The Ninja Toe Biter
Toe Biters
Pete Gray

Since we all know that "Stripahs" never eat crabs... ['get stuck on the way down!?]...
Well, maybe sometimes...

Tyed conservatively, the wimpy negative ballast will cause a gentle swim to the safety of the bottom...

I prefer a clear intermediate line... with no startling distinctive black fly line laying on the sand to inspire a paranoia attack...
In shallow water, "Striped predators" are already very cautious and spooky!
A slow retrieve and occasional twitch to spark the interest of approaching diners works for me...

Just try to stay tight or at least in contact with the fly...
Under ideal conditions, the TAKE can be quite pleasingly "visual"...
GAME ON!

And now you literally have an inspirational case of the crabz...

Pete Gray
Dazed, Confused and Designated Expendable
Angler Management Drop-Out

Step 1 - tie in thread

Step 2 - dumbbell

Step 4 - body start

Step 5 - ventral view

Step 6 - trim tube

Step 7 - ready to tie in

Step 8 - tied in

Step 9 - ready for trim

Step 3 - tail

Step 10 - clear hole

Step 11 - body done

Step 13 - legs ready

Step 12 - threading legs

Step 14 - feathers

Step 16 - trim feathers

Step 15 - color

Step 17 - glue and sand

Ninja Toe Biter
Pattern type: 
Cold saltwater fly
Originator: 
Pete Gray
Materials: 
Hook
Short shank saltwater hook size 1/0
Thread
Mono or white 6/0
Eyes
Dumbbell
Tail
Natural bucktail
Body
Braided tube, large diameter
Legs
Orange mottled rubber
Swimmer legs
Badger or pheasant hackle tips
Claws
Badger or pheasant hackle tips
Outer body
Tuffleeye Flex and sand
Skill level/difficulty: 
A little difficult
Instruction: 

Done deal! - The Ninja Toe Biter seen from the fish' perspective - riding hook point up
General layout - The layout to aim for: claws, legs and swimmer legs
Ninja Toe Biter
Pete Gray

Comments

Martin thank you for...

Martin thank you for giving a general list of thing for the fly. i just recently started fly tying and is kinda new at all the materials and types. made me a shopping list of fly tying materials!
thanks a plenty
joseph

Hi Martin, I agre...

Hi Martin,

I agree, it wouldn't be too hard to tie the fly from the photos, but I've been tying for a while now and can sort of work it out. I was thinking more of new tyers who may not have a ready supply of hooks materials etc and need to go and purchase.

I think you do a great job and I've been visiting your site for years now. Keep up the good work.

Mike

Martin Joergensen's picture

Anonymous. Comple...

Anonymous.

Completely useless might be putting it a bit harshly, don't you think?
If you run through the pictures you get a pretty good impression of the materials, which (as in most patterns) aren't that critical. Hook, thread, eyes, hair, braided tube, rubber legs, hackle tips, sand, marker pen and glue. I think a lot of people will be able to tie--or rather: build--the fly from that.

But due to Mike's and Joseph's comments we will consider adding the list.

And how brave of you to put your name behind your criticism! Oh that's right... you didn't...

Martin

Completely useless w...

Completely useless without materials list.

what is the recipe f...

what is the recipe for this fly exactly? it a really neat fly to tie and i am wondering what size of hook or type

Hi guys, I find i...

Hi guys,

I find it helpful if you include a list of materials and recommended hook pattern etc. This is a really good looking pattern and you've put it together in a way I haven't seen before.

ShepMike (Australia)

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