Striper Flies and Q&A with Signature Tyer Ben Whalley
Published: 19th June 2026 | Author: Fulling Mill
Introduction to Signature Tyer Ben Whalley
If you saltwater fly fish and are looking for purpose-built flies, look no further. Signature Tyer Ben Whalley has spent years designing flies that not only fool huge striped bass, but species like redfish, tarpon, snook, permit and bonefish too.
Ben’s obsession with fly fishing began at a very young age in South Florida with a box of old flies and his dad’s old fiberglass rod. Most of his youth was spent in Brazil. When he wasn’t breaking horses or working on the ranch, he was exploring the wilderness and waterways.
In 2003, Ben moved to Maine. Here, his obsession with wild salmonids and striped bass was born. By 2015, he began offering guided wading trips part-time for trout and striped bass. As both angler and guide, Ben continues to draw inspiration from Florida and South America. Today, you’ll find Ben chasing stripers on the beautiful, expansive flats in the Gulf of Maine.
Ben Whalley’s Signature saltwater flies are known for being functional and realistic, heavily influenced by the brilliance of Bob Popovic’s creations. As mentor and friend, Bob’s influence and guidance continue to heighten Ben’s ability to tie salty creations at the vise and teach others any chance he gets.
Capt. Ben Whalley’s selection of striper flies for a day of fishing in Maine.
Q: You grew up fishing in Florida and Brazil, but moved to Maine and now fish for striped bass. What made you make such a big switch?
A: I spent my youth in South Florida and then Brazil where my passion for saltwater fishing and the outdoors took root. By 10, my father introduced me to fly fishing and tying and I was gifted my first fly rod and fly tying vise. Self taught, I quickly became obsessed trying to fool fish in rivers and ponds near my home in Brazil. In 2003, I visited Maine to help my grandmother recover from surgery but Maine took hold and I’ve lived there ever since. While the initial transition from the tropics to Maine’s colder climate was tough, I adapted and Maine’s fisheries captivated me. Soon I was exploring all corners of the state and coastline. While I enjoy fishing for anything that swims, my true passion is saltwater species. In 2015, I became a Registered Maine Fishing Guide and began offering wade fly fishing trips outside of my day job for striped bass.
Q: The Champagne Shrimp is a super unique shrimp pattern for striped bass. How did that pattern come to be, and what did the design process look like?
Whalley’s Champagne Shrimp, Tan and Olive
A: The Champagne Shrimp came to be through many iterations in collaboration with my good friend Brendan Champagne. Stripers migrate up the coast each year to summer in the Gulf of Maine’s cool water (May-October). I keyed in on several expansive tidal flats where I observed stripers behaving more like redfish. These fish would root around for shrimp and tail like redfish in under a foot of water. This unique situation can be really technical for anglers, requiring both accurate fly placement so the fish can see the fly, while landing soft to not spook the weary fish. And, it needs to remain snag proof throughout the retrieve. To accomplish these goals this pattern incorporates foam carapace and tungsten Avalon-style keel weight tied on a 60deg jig hook. This fly continues to be a go-to for shallow water stripers locally as well for various other warm water species in Florida and beyond.
Ben says “Properly weighted and balanced to imitate shrimp in the skinniest of water. Designed to eliminate snags by incorporating a foam carapace paired with keel beads and tied on a 60deg jig hook. This is a must have shrimp pattern whether chasing stripers or bonefish.”
Q: The Crack Crab is another really cool crustacean fly for striper. How did this one come to be, and in what fishing setting does it excel?
Whalley’s Crack Crab next to live crabs found in Maine.
A: Invasive Asian green crabs came over on a boat long ago and have taken up residence along the coast of Maine. Unfortunately, these crabs are devastating to the inshore ecosystem. BUT striped bass love them. For the fly angler, a crab fly on a fast-sink line setup will produce more than any other method. Over the years, I have tweaked and developed this fly to what it is now. Durability has always been a big one when fishing crabs since the fly is constantly being bounced off rocks and dragged through mussels and seaweed. Heavy lead dumbbell eyes help keep it on bottom and in the zone. The rabbit zonker claws make it come alive in the water. Lastly, the composite-loop body adds a layer of durability and the 60deg jig hook helps prevent fouling and increases action
Ben says “Arguably the most effective pattern to catch stripers on the fly for the wade angler. Durable and lifelike, weighted with heavy dumbbell eyes to keep on bottom and kick up sand.”
You can see the rest of Signature Tyer Ben Whalley’s striper flies on our website or ask for them at a dealer near you!
A few photos from our most recent time on the water with Ben.
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