The Strong Arm Merkin was designed by Dave Skok as a modern twist on the classic Merkin-style crab fly, with a unique "strong arm" feature that mimics the natural posture of a fleeing or defensive crab. Originally fished in the Florida Keys, it’s become a go-to pattern in places like Belize, Cuba, and Mexico.
The Strong Arm's defining feature is the chenille claw extending from the back end of the body. The claw, or strong arm, serves multiple purposes. Firstly and most obviously, the claw is a realistic representation of a crab in a defensive posture hoping to deter a predator or latch on to a fish lip that comes too close.
Secondly, and potentially more importantly, the claw acts as a keel for the fly--keeping it more balanced in the water column as it falls. The result is a fly that moves and looks very realistic, routinely fooling many a permit in the Keys and well beyond.
