Bauer Crab: The most effective
fly pattern for Permit in Belize

Table of contents

• The story behind the Bauer Crab
• When and how to use the Bauer Crab fly
• Best colors and sizes
• Quality and hook strength
• Stealth is key: Making the Bauer Crab seal the deal on Belize's flats
• Frequently asked questions about the Bauer Crab
• Want to tie the Bauer Crab just like with Will Bauer himself?

The story behind the Bauer Crab

The pattern was developed in the 1980s by legendary angler Will Bauer, one of Belize's early Permit pioneers. After his first few trips here, Will Bauer became obsessed with cracking the code to fool Permit. Teaming up with renowned Belizean guide Lincoln Westby – a Permit master who's guided anglers to over 2,000 Permit hookups in his career. He fine-tuned a fly that would imitate the small fleeing crabs Permit loves to eat. The Bauer Crab fly was born Through trial and error and countless casts on the flats.

When Will first created the Bauer Crab, it was designed specifically for Belize's Permit. And it worked—big time. Over decades, this pattern has probably accounted for more Belizean Permit catches than any other fly. Guides like my father, Charlie Leslie Sr., and Lincoln Westby, among others, quickly adopted it, and today, it remains a staple in every serious Permit angler's box.

What's so special about the Bauer Crab? Why does this particular crab imitation still shine when dozens of newer patterns (from Del's Merkin to the Flexo Crab) come and go? In my experience, the Bauer Crab has a combination of features that perfectly mimic a Permit's natural prey and trigger their feeding response.

Realistic crab profile

The fly has a chunky, round body that sits like a small crab on the bottom, with splayed rubber legs on each side. In the water, it looks like a crab in defense mode – the broad profile and stiff, knotted legs give the impression of a crab's shell and kicking appendages. To a hungry Permit dipping down to eat, it's a very familiar sight.

Just the right movement

One key to Permit flies is how they move (or sometimes don't move). When a Permit approaches, a real crab's first instinct isn't to zip away like a shrimp – it's to dive for cover and freeze. The Bauer Crab's design takes advantage of this. It's usually tied with lead eyes or bead chain eyes that make it sink fast and land upright on the bottom. Once it plops down, those rubber legs wiggle a bit, but if you don't strip, the fly sits there looking natural. This fly is deadly when fished with a very slow crawl or with only tiny twitches. Often, the Permit will swim over and see a "crab" that's trying to hide. Many takes happen as the fly is sinking or resting on the sand – I've seen Permit charge from 10 feet away to eat a Bauer Crab that wasn't moving at all.

Weight and sink rate

In Belize, many Permit flats are windy or have currents, and the fish often tail in just a couple of feet of water. The Bauer Crab is typically weighted enough to get down quickly, but it's not so heavy that it makes a big splash. It strikes a good balance. I'll use lighter versions for shallow, calm conditions and heavier ones for deeper flats or days with harsh winds and waves. The original ties by Will Bauer were pretty heavy (part of why it was so successful – it got in the fish's feeding zone fast).

Proven color patterns

Most Bauer Crabs are tied in tan, olive, or a "camo" mix of tan and olive. These colors cover the natural hues of the small crabs on Belize's flats. Tan looks like sand-dwelling crabs or those with lighter shells, and olive imitates crabs in turtle grass or darker bottoms. The pattern doesn't have lots of flash or wild colors—it's subtle and lifelike, which is exactly what Permit expects their prey to be.

Check out the original Bauer crab fly-tying video with Will Bauer himself at the end of this article!

When and how to use the Bauer Crab fly

Having the right fly is step one. Step two is presenting it in a way that convinces a Permit to eat. Here's my advice on when to tie on a Bauer Crab and how to fish it effectively in southern Belize.

Presentation is everything – Let the crab hide

Rather than casting right at a Permit, I usually cast 1-2 feet beyond or to the side of it, then crawl the fly gently into its field of view. You don't want the fly splashing down on the fish's head or risking laying the fly line over its back or tail. You minimize the chance of spooking the fish by landing the fly in front and slightly past it, and then sliding it into place.

The hardest part for many anglers is resisting the urge to start getting some speed on the fly immediately after landing it. Remember, a real crab will hunker down. I tell my clients: "Let it sink!… wait… wait… twitch it!" That little wiggle often gets the Permit's attention if it hasn't seen the fly yet.

Minimal movement

If the Permit notices the fly and is tracking toward it, I usually don't move it at all, except smaller crawls to keep tension on the line. Then, maybe a tiny tick or two to keep it looking alive, but often, the fish will slowly cruise up to inspect the fly. This is the nail-biting moment! If the Permit starts tailing on your fly, it likely thinks it found a meal.

Strip-set the moment you feel something on the end of the line

It's critical to strip set (a long, firm pull with the rod tip low) when you feel the fish or see it eat rather than striking it up like in Trout fishing. Many Permit eats are subtle – sometimes you barely feel a "tick," if anything. If you suspect the fish has the fly (often I see the Permit's fins quiver or it does a tiny wiggle, indicating it ate something), check it by giving it a firm but not too hard strip. Then, if you feel real tension, pull hard to set the hook. That way, if you're wrong and it didn't eat, the fly will move a bit, and maybe you'll get multiple shots at the same fish. If you trout-set by lifting the rod tip, you'll likely pull the fly away or not get a solid hookup.

Adapting to the situation

While tailing fish in skinny water is ideal, you won't always get that perfect scenario. Here are some adaptations when things are a bit different:

Cruising Permit in deeper water

For cruising Permit that aren't actively tailing, you should give the fly more action to get their attention. In this case, I'll cast out in front of the fish and pull it slightly right as it's landing to make the crab drop at an angle in the path of the cruising fish. Once the fish turns or follows, I often stop and let the fly sit before twitching or slowly crawling it again. If the Permit accelerates or charges the fly, then a steady strip can mimic the crab trying to flee. It's a fine line – too much movement, and the crab looks fake (crabs aren't fast swimmers); too little, and the fish might not notice it.

Multiple Permits (school)

Sometimes, we find schools of Permit. These situations can be even trickier, as one fish might be interested, but another might spook. I target the closest fish or the one slightly separated from the rest of the group. Present to that one. If one Permit suddenly rushes off, often the others get wary. With a school, cast well in front of them so the splash doesn't scatter the rest of the group.

Windy conditions

Wind, even if it's just a tiny breeze or harsh gusts, is around on the flats of Belize year-round. A heavier crab helps punch through the wind. You want the fly to turn over and land softly, even in windy conditions. Sometimes, I'll go up a line size (from a 9wt to a 10wt rod, for instance) to help cast the heavy fly in a breeze. The Bauer Crab is fairly aerodynamic for a crab pattern. Still, in strong wind, accuracy matters more than delicacy – you may accept a slightly harder presentation if it's the only way to reach the fish. Permit can tolerate a small splash if it's not right on top of them.

Best colors and sizes

Not all Belizean flats are the same. Southern Belize's flats range from clean white and clear sand flats to pure coral flats and turtle grass shallows. I always match your Bauer Crab's color to the sea floor.

Tan for sandy flats

In places like the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and the Cayes off Placencia (often called Permit Alley), the rocky flats are usually a mix of white sand and coral. A tan Bauer Crab blends nicely with the sand and resembles the pale crabs that inhabit those areas. In fact, within that zone, tan has historically been the top producer.

Olive for grassy flats

You'll find darker turtle grass flats and mangrove-lined lagoons around islands and mangroves in the same area, and further south, you'll find places like Snake Caye or flats in the Punta Gorda area. The crabs there tend to have olive or brownish tones. An olive Bauer Crab stands out less against the grass, making it a more natural pick for those fish.

Size matters

I always bring Bauer Crabs in various sizes, typically #4 and #6, while #4 usually acts as a fit-all size. Size #4 imitates a normal-sized crab and is great for bigger Permit or slightly deeper water. Size #6 is smaller—perfect for skinny water or spooky fish that won't tolerate a bigger splash.

Having both sizes lets you adjust the presentation: for example, on a calm day with tailing fish in inches of water, I might drop down to the smaller #6 so it lands extra softly. On a windy day with fish cruising in thigh-deep water, a #4 with heavier eyes gets down to them better. Carry multiples of each size because Permit has a knack for breaking you off on the nearest coral head once you have hooked up. Trust me, you don't want to lose your only crab fly on the first fish of a week-long trip!

Weights

As mentioned, I recommend tying up or buying Bauer Crabs with different weights: some with dumbbell eyes (heavier) and some with bead chain eyes (lighter). It's frustrating to experience that all your flies are very heavy, and the fish are tailing in 8 inches of water—they'll land too hard. Likewise, if all your flies are light, you might not reach the bottom in time to be visible for the Permit. Mix it up.

Quality and hook strength

Quality and hook strength are important factors, as the Permit will test your tackle to the max. Use flies tied on strong saltwater hooks like TMC 811S or similar. Just ensure whatever size you tie the Bauer crab in, the hook is razor sharp and won't straighten. I also check that the weight is secure as some cheaper flies have eyes that can loosen after one fish.

Stealth is key: Making the Bauer Crab seal the deal on Belize's flats

Even the best fly can't work its magic if you don't approach and present it quietly to the fish, so keep your movements soft and your profile low. Permit spook easily when sudden noise, shadows, or reflections occur. When you see a tail or fin, angle yourself so the sun lights the fish rather than silhouetting you. Lead the Permit by a few feet so the fly crawls naturally into its path, then let the Bauer Crab settle. Hold still if the fish turns toward it – a well-placed crab can suddenly seal the deal if you avoid sudden jerky strips.

Want the complete playbook on landing Permit from a guide's perspective? Check out Crack the Permit code: A complete guide to catching Permit in Belize

Frequently asked questions about the Bauer Crab

What exactly is the Bauer Crab fly?

The Bauer Crab is a classic saltwater Permit fly pattern designed to imitate a small crab. It was invented by legendary angler Will Bauer specifically for Belize's Permit fishery. The fly typically has a fuzzy, round body (tan or olive in color), a set of splayed rubber legs on each side, and weighted eyes to make it sink. It's a bite-sized crab lookalike.

Why are Permit so hard to catch on fly?

Permit are tough because they're incredibly wary and picky. They have excellent vision and get spooked by anything unusual – splashy casts, a moving shadow, even a leader if it glints in the sunlight. They also often ignore flies that don't look "just right" to them. Permit feeds on crabs and shrimp, but unlike some fish that attack out of aggression, Permit seems to analyze their food before digging in. This means you need the right fly (one that matches what they eat) and a near-perfect presentation. Even then, a Permit might still refuse it at the last second. The challenge is part of why catching one is such a high point for fly anglers.

How do I fish the Bauer Crab effectively for Permit?

The key is to make it behave like a real crab. That means casting near the fish without spooking it, letting the fly sink to the bottom, and then not ripping it away. If a Permit is tailing (feeding) nearby, give the fly a tiny twitch or two or even let it sit still – a real crab faced with a Permit will usually freeze or try to burrow.

Keep slack out of the line so you can feel a take. When the Permit finds the fly and eats (you might see the fish dive down or subtly jolt), set the hook with a firm stripset. In practical terms, I often cast a few feet before a tailing Permit, wait 3-5 seconds as the Bauer Crab sinks, then gently bump it once. If the fish turns toward it, I stop moving the fly and watch the fish's behavior. If it tails on the fly – boom, I stripset. If the fish loses interest, I might give another small strip to get its attention again. Don't retrieve a crab fly fast; keep it slow and subtle. And always strip-set the hook; never lift the rod to set, or you'll pull the fly out of the Permit's mouth.

What sizes and colors of the Bauer Crab should I bring for Belize?

I recommend carrying Bauer Crabs in sizes #4 and #6, in tan and olive colors. Tan is excellent on lighter sand and coral flats, while olive can be better around turtle grass or darker bottoms. Size #6 is a great all-around choice, whilst #4 gives a larger profile suitable for bigger fish or deeper water. If possible, have a mix of weighted eyes too – some heavier (for wind or depth) and some lighter (for shallow flats). If you can find "camo" tan/olive versions, those are great too. It sounds like a lot, but Permit hunting is not the time to skimp on fly selection. It is better to have too many options than too few when hunting these picky eaters.

Are there other flies I should bring for Permit, or is the Bauer Crab all I need?

While the Bauer Crab is the all-time top producer in Belize, I'd be lying if I said it's the only fly that works. Permit can sometimes want something different on a given day. It's wise to carry some Merkin crabs, Strongarm crabs, Grand Slam Crabs, Raghead Crabs, Avalon's, and some Flexo Crabs.

Ready to take on the flats in Belize? Get in touch to book a guided fly fishing charter

Want to tie the Bauer Crab just like with Will Bauer himself?

Check his original fly-tying video here