Orvis: Quality Clothing, Fly-Fishing Gear & More Since 1856

エンリコズ・パーミット・クラブの結び方:ステップバイステップのフライタイイングガイド

エンリコズ・パーミット・クラブの結び方:ステップバイステップのフライタイイングガイド

By Orvis: Quality Clothing, Fly-Fishing Gear & More Since 1856 | Published: 2026-08-03

Category: How-to Guides

Master the Enrico's Permit Crab with our detailed fly tying tutorial. Learn materials, step-by-step instructions, and tips for fooling wary permit on the flats.

The Enrico's Permit Crab is one of the most effective and popular fly patterns for permit fishing. Designed by Enrico Puglisi, this crab fly imitates the small crustaceans that permit love to feed on in shallow, clear water. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or just starting to explore the flats, tying your own Enrico's Permit Crab can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to stock your fly box.

In this comprehensive fly tying tutorial, we'll walk you through every step, from gathering the right materials to finishing the fly with a durable, realistic look. By the end, you'll be ready to tie this essential permit fly pattern with confidence and hit the water with a proven crab imitation.

Why the Enrico's Permit Crab Works

Permit are notoriously selective feeders, often turning away from flies that don't perfectly mimic their natural prey. The Enrico's Permit Crab excels because it imitates the silhouette and movement of a live crab. Its bulky, yet soft body, combined with rubber legs and a weighted keel, creates a lifelike profile that sinks slowly and scuttles along the bottom, triggering strikes from wary permit.

This pattern is also versatile. It can be tied in various sizes and colors to match local crab species, making it a go-to choice for flats from the Florida Keys to the Bahamas. Whether you're sight fishing for tailing permit or blind casting to likely spots, the Enrico's Permit Crab is a must-have in your saltwater fly box.

  • Lifelike silhouette and movement
  • Weighted keel ensures it sinks and rides hook point up
  • Can be tied in sizes 2–6 to match different crabs

Materials You'll Need

Before you start tying, gather all the necessary materials. Having everything at hand ensures a smooth, uninterrupted tying session. For the Enrico's Permit Crab, you'll need a size 2 to 4 saltwater hook, lead or tungsten dumbbell eyes for weight, and a spool of strong thread (6/0 or 3/0 in a color that matches the shell).

For the body, you'll use a synthetic material like Enrico Puglisi's Fibre or similar, which gives the fly a buggy, translucent look. You'll also need rubber legs (or sili-legs), a piece of thin foam or plastic for the shell, and some epoxy or UV resin for a durable finish. Optional materials include craft fur for the claws and flash for added attraction.

  • Hook: Size 2–4 saltwater hook (e.g., TMC 811S or Gamakatsu SL12S)
  • Weight: Lead or tungsten dumbbell eyes
  • Thread: 6/0 or 3/0 in tan or brown
  • Body: Enrico Puglisi's Fibre or similar synthetic
  • Legs: Rubber legs in tan or brown
  • Shell: Thin craft foam or plastic
  • Finish: Epoxy or UV resin

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions

Start by placing the hook in the vise and securing the thread. Wrap the thread from the eye to the bend, creating a smooth base. Attach the dumbbell eyes just behind the hook eye, on top of the hook shank. Wrap thread over them securely, and add a drop of superglue for extra security.

Next, tie in a small clump of Enrico Puglisi's Fibre at the bend of the hook, pointing back. This will form the tail of the crab. Then, tie in the rubber legs on each side of the hook, using a figure-eight wrap to keep them in place. You'll want about three or four legs per side, extending outward.

Now, build the body by dubbing or spinning the fibre around the thread and wrapping it forward to create a bulky, tapered shape. The body should be roughly the size of a thumbnail. Once the body is formed, tie in a piece of foam or plastic over the top, pulling it tight to create the shell. Secure it at the front with several tight wraps.

Finish the fly by adding a few strands of flash or craft fur on top for the claws, then whip finish and apply a coat of epoxy or UV resin to the shell for durability. Let it dry completely before use.

  • Use a bobbin holder to keep thread tension consistent
  • Make sure the legs are tied in securely – they take a beating
  • Apply resin in a thin layer to avoid a bulky finish

Tips for Fishing the Enrico's Permit Crab

The Enrico's Permit Crab is most effective when fished slowly along the bottom. Cast ahead of a cruising permit and let the fly sink. Use short, slow strips, pausing frequently to let the fly settle. The key is to mimic a crab's hesitant movement – a few quick hops followed by a dead stop.

When you see a permit following, don't strip too fast. Permit often take the fly on the pause. Also, be sure to use a fluorocarbon leader (at least 12 lb) and a fast-sinking line to get the fly down quickly in deeper water.

This pattern works well in both clear and slightly stained water. In bright conditions, use natural tan and olive colors; in low light, darker browns and blacks can be more visible.

  • Use a slow, erratic strip with pauses
  • Match the size to local crabs – smaller flies in clear water
  • Keep your rod tip low to avoid line splash

Variations and Customizations

While the classic Enrico's Permit Crab is tied in tan and brown, you can easily customize it to match your local conditions. Try using different colored fibres, such as olive, rust, or even pale pink for sand crabs. You can also vary the weight to fish at different depths – heavier eyes for deep channels, lighter for shallow flats.

Some tiers add a weed guard for fishing around grass and rocks. This is a simple loop of monofilament tied over the hook point. Another variation is to use a bead chain instead of dumbbell eyes for a less intrusive profile.

Experiment with different leg materials like silicone or barred rubber to change the action. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to make the pattern your own.

  • Try a weed guard for snaggy areas
  • Use bead chain eyes for a subtler sink
  • Match the shell color to the bottom substrate

Stocking Your Fly Box

Once you've mastered the Enrico's Permit Crab, you'll want to tie several in different sizes and colors. It's a good idea to keep a few in your go-to saltwater fly box. Pair them with other proven permit patterns like the Merkin Crab or the Del Brown Permit Fly to cover all bases.

Merkin Crab
Merkin Crab

When you're ready to hit the flats, consider booking a trip to a top permit destination like Camp Bonaventure, QC or Eagle Nest Lodge, MT. These lodges offer world-class permit fishing and expert guides who can help you refine your technique. And don't forget to check out the Orvis Guide To Finding Trout for general fishing tips that apply to saltwater as well.

  • Tie in sizes 2, 4, and 6 for different conditions
  • Invest in a good fly box like the Fulling Mill Stealth Box to keep your flies organized
  • Practice casting with weighted flies to get used to the feel

Tying the Enrico's Permit Crab is a valuable skill for any saltwater fly angler. With this step-by-step guide, you can create a durable, lifelike crab fly that will help you fool more permit. So grab your vise and materials, and start tying – your next trophy permit might be just a cast away. For more inspiration and gear, explore our selection of fly fishing tools and accessories.

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