Making Mono Eyes for Crab and Shrimp Flies
Tutorial and photos by Chris Beech
1. I use 45-55lb Schneider ultra clear mono but you could use any clear medium stiff mono that you would use on a striped bass leader. Mason is a bit too stiff. Cut the mono into 3-4″ lengths.
2.Melt both the ends of the mono with a lighter or other flame device so it makes a little ball at each end.
- Mix 5-minute Devcon epoxy on a Post It note and then dip the mono balls in the epoxy with a circular motion. This will provide good coverage. You can adjust the thickness of the eye by the depth of epoxy that you swirl it in.
- Remove the mono and place in a rotating device until dry.
- Dip the eyes in finger nail color of choice. I have been using Sally Hanson’s nail polish in red, green, black or nude – kind of a tan color.
- When that’s dry I give the eyes a coat with clear Hard As Nails polish.
This results in a nice tear drop shape.
It’s a process, so I make 100 pairs or so at a time and have made up a drying rack out of some strips of foam with notches cut into one edge.
