12 Crazy Charlie Bonefish Flies – Bonefish & Permit Fly Selection

A dozen proven Crazy Charlie saltwater flies in three productive colors and two hook sizes. An essential flats pattern for bonefish and a useful option when targeting permit.

Description

The Crazy Charlie is one of the most recognized and productive bonefish flies in saltwater fly fishing. A longtime standard in flats anglers' fly boxes, this proven pattern has earned its reputation on bonefish flats around the world.

Capt. Ken’s 12 Crazy Charlie Fly Selection gives you three versatile color choices—Pink, Olive, and Tan—in two hook sizes. This assortment helps you adapt to changing light, bottom conditions, and fish preferences when fishing shallow saltwater flats.

Whether you're stalking bonefish over sandy flats or presenting a small shrimp-like imitation to other crustacean-feeding saltwater species, the Crazy Charlie is a pattern worth carrying.

Why Fish the Crazy Charlie?

The Crazy Charlie's streamlined profile and weighted construction make it an effective fly for presenting near the bottom where bonefish feed. Its simple, proven design allows for a natural presentation while remaining easy to cast and retrieve.

Different colors give you options for varying water clarity, bottom color, and light conditions. Having both #2 and #6 sizes lets you adjust your presentation to the size of the fish and the conditions on the flats.

When to Fish Them

• When sight-fishing for bonefish on shallow saltwater flats

• Over sandy, mixed sand-and-grass, and other suitable flats

• In clear water when fish are feeding on shrimp and small crustaceans

• When changing light or bottom conditions call for a different fly color

• When targeting permit and other saltwater species that feed on crustaceans

How to Fish Them

Present the Crazy Charlie ahead of cruising or tailing bonefish and allow it to settle toward the bottom. Use short, controlled strips to imitate a fleeing shrimp or small crustacean.

Pay attention to the fish's direction and speed. A good presentation placed in its feeding path is often more important than an aggressive retrieve.

Capt. Ken’s Guide Tip

Don't overlook fly size and color when fishing clear, shallow flats. Carrying both #2 and #6 Crazy Charlies gives you the flexibility to adjust your presentation. Start with a natural color like Tan or Olive, then experiment with Pink when conditions or fish response suggest a change.

Selection Details

• Quantity: 12 Crazy Charlie flies

• Colors: Pink, Olive, and Tan

• Color breakdown: 4 flies in each color

• Sizes: #2 and #6

• Size breakdown: 2 flies in each size per color

• Total: 6 flies in size #2 and 6 flies in size #6

• Target species: Bonefish, permit, and other crustacean-feeding saltwater gamefish

Get Ready for Your Next Flats Fishing Trip

The Crazy Charlie belongs in every serious bonefish angler's fly box. This 12-fly selection gives you three proven colors and two useful sizes, so you're better prepared for changing conditions on the flats. Add Capt. Ken’s Crazy Charlie Selection to your saltwater fly box before your next trip.