On the New Jersey beaches in July, one starts to see a build-up of Mole crabs along the surf line. The males are about the size of a dime but oval in shape and females about the size of a quarter or slightly larger. The females may have a large mass of bright orange eggs that really stand out color wise, hence, orange should be part of any pattern. As more and more arrive, they become a food source for striped bass, fluke, sea robins and, should the cow nose rays make an appearance as they did the past two years, they munch on them as well.

When the water is clear, one is able to easily see both rays and striped bass feeding in the ocean front shallows. It’s a casual feed indicating they’re on the hunt for crabs. Both calico crabs(see Bob Popovics’ Crab Fleye on the ASWF web site) and mole crabs can be abundant in certain areas and are prime baits. Flies tied to imitate both are effective and given clear water, sight fishing is the only way to go. The rays in particular stand out in contrast to light sand bars and can be seen “gliding” over the bars and even surfing waves a hundred yards out. When feeding they work a sand bar in a slow and purposeful way using large flap like lobes to sense food and move it towards their mouth. It’s then when a properly placed crab can result in a subtle take and a fight that will test your stamina, tackle, and knots.

I’ve successfully used a pattern that’s based on Del Brown’s Merkin but modified to provide the look and profile of the mole crab. It’s tied with a blend of slinky fibre and angel hair (referred to as “the blend”) that I use for many of the flies I tie. Here are the steps: