Keys Classics

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

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 Run Around Sue Shrimpy

Eyes Mono Foam

Hook Size#1

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

history of the Keys Classics

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 and the Shrimpy are mirror images of each other. the ‘Sue has a splayed tail with a buggier body while the Shrimpy has a married tail and a narrower profile. both are classic shrimp imitations that still turn fish today.

Key West legend Fitz Coker developed the Run Around Sue and five time Gold Cup Grand Champion Doug Flutie developed the Shrimpy but both patterns were designed to target picky basin fish in the lower Keys. I tie both because some days the fish prefer a splayed tail and some days a married tail; you really need to have both in your box.

my versions of these flies maintain the original profile and design goals but I’ve updated the patterns to reflect the needs of today’s fisheries. my Keys Classics are lighter, smaller, buggier and colored more naturally than their original namesakes.