Amphipods are members of a large family that includes the sand flea and
freshwater scuds. Most of our saltwater members of the family are fairly
small, rarely over half-an-inch long. They tend to be rather translucent
with most of their color showing along the back. One of my favorites is
tied on a small, curved caddis hook (Tiemco 2487, size14 or 16). Tie in
10-12 strands of orange Krystalflash, make a dubbing loop and dub a
cream-colored body. Bring the Krystalflash over the top to form a shellback
and tie it off just behind the eye. Pick out the dubbing on the underside
to represent legs. I fish it dead drift in the tidal current with just
enough tension to keep a tight line. Euphausids are small shrimp ranging
from abut 1/8 inch to a little less than an inch. They have very prominent
dark eyes and their bodies are a milky translucent color, sometimes with a
hint of pink. I have yet to come up with a Euphausid pattern that I (and
the fish) really like. Jimmy Lemert, the proprietor of Patrick's Fly Shop,
has a simple pattern that works. Tie some small lead dumbbell eyes on the
middle of the shank of a 34007 size 10 Mustad, tie on a couple of trailing
strands of pearl Krystalflash for antennae and wrap on a body of pearl Estaz
(crystal chenille). The late Bob McLaughlin had a similar pattern that
worked well for him.
