The Psycho Mantis
The Psycho Mantis was my first attempt to match the profile of a big mantis shrimp we were finding around the coral of the Faraway Keys base camp. Those were a whole variety of colors from white to tan and even fluorescent green. They were almost like chameleons, blending into any background. I knew from watching the permit smash against the rocks that these were what they were eating.
After a few prototypes and some R&D with the guides, I had something that was delivering serious results for the anglers who were brave enough to cast my bright green peacock mantis to a trophy permit. The fly produced and continues to trick some of the most skeptical permit we encounter. We're excited to share the fly with even more fisheries and lodges this season!
The Psycho Mantis uses a custom combination of bright blue eyes, highly animating claws, micro rubber legs, contrasting rubber legs, and a multi-colored rabbit belly that pulsates and taunts permit and trophy bonefish. Hot orange dumbbells and a weed guard balance the Psycho so that it swims naturally and lands softly.
We tie the Psycho Mantis on an Umpqua X Series X Heavy Jig Hook for a perfect keel and hook set!
Meet the Guanaja Fly Tyers Guild. They are the primary supplier and designers for Guide Flies and the inspiration to pass on the art of fly tying to this incredibleisland community.
It started by recognizing the natural fly tying talent that existed in the community of Guanaja. The guides and family members of the Fly Fish Guanaja staff had learned the basics of fly tying and made creative flies for technical permit and bonefish that were not easily fooled.
Over the the last three years they have worked hard to perfect their craft. What began as an experiment in the beach front cabana, has turned into one of the greatest small business opportunities for the Island of Guanaja.
The team of fly tyers that make the Guanaja Fly Tyers Guild is instructed and led by Dave McKenna. They work daily to make the custom tied flies you can purchase through our website. They are self managed and work with an entrepreneurial approach to their business of fly tying.
Through the challenges of passing hurricanes and the Covid-19 pandemic, they have persevered and worked with pride to make the flies we offer here.
We all thank you sincerely for the support and orders that have helped bring the entire team through the hardest parts of the past year. We are very excited to share our newest flies and designs with you!
