New Saltwater Flies for 2026 from Fulling Mill USA
Published: 16th January 2026 | Author: Fulling Mill
New Saltwater Flies
There’s no doubt that fishing opportunities are more diverse than ever. Whether it’s the species now accessible on the fly or the subtle differences between fisheries within a single region, the evolving needs of anglers shape how we update our catalogue each year. The 2026 expansion to our saltwater fly range includes new patterns from our Signature Tyers like Ben Whalley and Mike Mitchell. From baitfish imitations to shrimp flies, we’ve got you covered. Click on the flies below to check them out on our website, or head to your nearest Fulling Mill dealer to see them firsthand!
Dragontail Baitfish
If you chase large saltwater fish on the fly, such as tarpon, bull redfish, roosters, or other big saltwater predators, this fly gets the job done time and time again. The movement from the Dragon Tail is irresistible, and the large eyes are the perfect target for a fish to make a kill. Tied on super-strong and sharp SL12 hooks (2/0 & 4/0 ), these fit the bill for your big fish pursuits.
Signature Tyer Ben Whalley
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, where 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, now chasing stripers on the beautiful, expansive flats in the Gulf of Maine. His 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 heightened Ben’s ability to tie salty creations at the vise.
Whalley’s Prison Bride
If all options seem to fall short, Signature Tyer Ben Whalley’s Prison Bride is your last-call savior. When the bite’s locked down tight, Whalley’s Prison Bride is a baitfish imitation that will bail you. With a seductive translucent shimmer and just enough rebellion in her design, she’ll fool the wariest guards of the deep.
Shrimp & Crab Flies
Check out our new sand critters for 2026 from Signature Tyer Mike Mitchell for bonefish, permit, and other flats-roaming species. These new crustaceans effectively mimic the type of shrimp and small crabs that account for a bunch of Mike’s quality flats fish, time and time again. Check out some of our new saltwater flies from Mike below!
About Signature Tyer Mike Mitchell
Michael Mitchell was born in 1975 in San Diego, California. At the age of 5, Michael’s father, an outdoorsman, realized California was not where he wanted to raise his children. They uprooted and headed for the wide-open spaces of Idaho—specifically the Big Lost River Range. The nearest neighbor was a mile away, but the river was closer. With the Big Lost River only a short bike ride away from Michael’s house, it was no wonder that he fell into a deep passion for the river and fishing. He spent any time he had fishing with his old Zebco “Snoopy Series” fishing pole and tackle box. It didn’t take long for Michael to outgrow that rod and reel and beg his parents for a new and better setup. By the time Michael was in his early 20’s, he was introduced to and had developed a deep fixation for fly fishing.
Mitchel’s Itchy & Scratchy
In the words of Mike Michaell, ” A crittery/shrimp pattern that one can ‘swim’ or ‘crawl’. Tested and proven by some of the best in the business for over a decade, Itchy and Scratchy already holds a reputation as being one of the best utility patterns for saltwater flats to have in your arsenal. Permit, bonefish, triggers, and many other species have fallen victim to this fantastic pattern around the globe. This is a “must have” in your fly box!”.
Mitchell’s WTF Creepy Crawler (Standard and Heavy)
This very unique pattern’s name isn’t meant to offend anyone, but once you have one in hand, you’ll be saying “WTF”! This new pattern has a lot of “flats critter” in its DNA. Mike lost sleep at night coming up with the design of this pattern. He wanted to do something very different with “flexo” body tubing with great results and Mike believes this is it. Designed for Permit “tailing” and feeding with rays in mind, but it also did well with larger bonefish and triggerfish. It’s another pattern of mine caught between being a crab or a snapping shrimp. This pattern is meant to be “crawled” and not swam at a rapid pace. “WTF” has a defensive posture and looks death into the face and backs away but doesn’t run from it, “if you catch my fish…. or drift
Mitchell’s Crustacean Pie
This crittery pattern has been in the works for a couple of years now. Designed for “Tailing” Bonefish and Permit, but also applies to Permit feeding with rays. “Crustacean Pie” imitates a “crab” or a “Bigclaw Snapping Shrimp”. This pattern has a little bit of everything from claws, eyes, antennae, rabbit fur carapace, and winging to create a tasty slice of “Crustacean Pie”. Hence, the naming of this pattern by renowned guide Travis Sands at Soul Fly Lodge in the Bahamas. It’s a “stimulator” pattern that stimulates a feeding reaction from Bonefish, Permit, and many other species of the “Flats
Tie Your Own Saltwater Flies?
As fishing opportunities diversify around the world, we continue to update our catalogue to reflect the needs of anglers. From the Universal Salt Hook (size 2/0-10), to 12 colors of new Shrimp Eyes, to a wide range of new Pro Fly Tying Thread, we’re certain we have something that’ll interest saltwater fly fishers. Check out the full fly tying material range on our website or ask for it at your local fly shop!
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