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Umpqua Spawning Mantis - Tan/Orange (3-Pack)
Introducing the Spawning Mantis fly, a highly effective pattern designed by Bob Veverka to target predator fish. When creating flies for these species, Veverka believes that it is essential to match the size, shape, and color of the prey that they feed on. The Mantis pattern is easy to tie with basic materials, lands softly, sinks quickly, and, most importantly, catches fish.
The bulky body of the Mantis fly ensures that it lands softly, while the bead chain eyes bring it to the critical zone. Although it was not possible to incorporate the moving eyes found on real shrimp, Veverka used burnt mono eyes to create a realistic effect. The carapace features a tuft of tan rabbit fur, which looks bulky in the water and moves enticingly, even when at rest. A slight current or a strip on the line will cause the material to pulse with life.
The legs are perhaps the most crucial aspect of the Spawning Mantis fly. Instead of being tied together in one area of the fly, each leg is separate, allowing for natural movement, just like a live shrimp. Although it may take a little longer to tie in this manner, this technique is what makes the fly so distinctive and effective on wary bonefish. Over the years, it has become a go-to pattern for anglers in the Bahamas and a standard in every fly box that travels to this area.