the Keys Classics

$10.00
a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co

Keys Classics

Run Around Sue / Mono / #1
$10.00
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a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a group of Keys Classics tarpon flies tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Shrimpy tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Shrimy tarpon fly with foam eyes tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a group of Keys Classics tarpon flies tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Shrimpy tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
  • a closeup photo of the Shrimy tarpon fly with foam eyes tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co
Keys Classics

these patterns are classics for a reason and while tarpon flies have evolved significantly since the Run Around Sue and the Shrimpy were first dreamed up they still have a place in today’s high pressure fishery. I've updated the originals to ride higher, land softer and last longer while maintaining those classic silhouettes and colors. the ‘Sue and the Shrimpy are nearly mirror images of one another: one splayed tail and one married tail, both excellent shrimp imitations.

the Run Around Sue is a splayed hackle Tarpon pattern developed by Key West legend Fitz Coker. a lightweight, soft landing shrimp imitation perfect for the backcountry behind Islamorada and the clear water basins of the Lower Keys. late in the season I always carry a ‘Sue pre-rigged on a #10 with an ultra long leader and a clear line.

the Shrimpy is a slim, lightweight married tail Tarpon pattern designed by Gold Cup legend Doug Flutie. the Shrimpy was intended for shrimp hatches but it’s a very effective pattern in many backcountry scenarios. I’ve seen picky basin fish eat the Shrimpy when they wouldn’t give anything else a passing glance.

the Run Around Sue and the Shrimpy are both tied 2.5’ long on a Gamakatsu SL12s Short #1 and available with your choice of slow sinking mono eyes or suspending foam eyes.
$10.00
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Color
Eyes
Hook Size#1

design details

a macro photo of the handmade mono eyes on the Run Around Sue tarpon fly tied by Josh Idol of Two Aught Fly Fishing Co

monofilament eyes provide the suggestion of a shrimp eye without the weight of beadchain. I make my own for the Keys Classics because I’ve found the store bought eyes to be too fragile and I like to choose my own colors.

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a closeup shot of the Worm tarpon fly in pink and tan colorway
  • a closeup shot of the Worm tarpon fly in pink and tan colorway
  • Worm tarpon flies hanging from my drying rack waiting to be shipped
  • a closeup of the Worm tarpon fly in Bone colorway
  • a closeup of the Worm tarpon fly in orangesicle colorway
  • a closeup of the Worm tarpon fly in original colorway
Worm

Worm
$12.00
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a closeup photo of the Run Around Sue tarpon fly resting on it’s page in my tying journal

history of the Keys Classics

hackle tail tarpon flies have a long history in the Keys. I’ve heard many different accounts of the origins of 

I’ve tied many different interations of the Keys Classics patterns over the last few years but the two patterns in the current collection are far and away my most popular traditional tarpon flies. 

the Run Around Sue is a venerable, effective splayed hackle Tarpon pattern developed by Key West legend Fitz Coker. a lightweight, soft landing shrimp imitation perfect for the oceanside flats of Islamorada and the clear water basins of the Lower Keys. the 'Sue is my favorite backcountry fly. late in the season I almost always carry a 10wt pre-rigged with a clear line, ultra long leader and a Run Around Sue.

the Shrimpy is a slim, lightweight married tail Tarpon pattern designed by Gold Cup legend Doug Flutie. the Shrimpy was intended for shrimp hatches but it’s a very effective pattern in many backcountry scenarios. I’ve seen picky basin fish eat the Shrimpy when they wouldn’t give anything else a passing glance.

the Run Around Sue and the Shrimpy were both designed to target picky basin fish in the lower Keys and they re