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Lefty's DeceiverBaitfishintermediate

Gulf Coast & Emerald Coast

Lefty's Deceiver

$7.95

Available Sizes#2 - #2/0
Color Variations
WhiteChartreuse/WhiteAll BlackRed/White

Named after Lefty Kreh, the man who could cast a fly line into next Tuesday. This pattern has been deceiving fish since 1957 -- longer than most marriages. The bucktail collar flares on the pause, suggesting a wounded baitfish that is clearly making poor life choices. Sixty-plus years later, nothing has improved on the original.

Meet the Tier

Dr. Kevin Burdette

Forgotten Coast Fly Co.

Apalachicola, FL

A PhD geologist turned fly tier. Kevin already curates multiple artisan tyers through his Forgotten Coast Fly Co. — brick-and-mortar meets online, with a deep commitment to the Florida Panhandle fly scene.

PhD geologist, curates multiple artisan tyers, brick-and-mortar + online
Meet All Our Tiers

Quick Facts

TypeBaitfish
Difficultyintermediate
SeasonsSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Target SpeciesSpeckled Trout, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish
Sizes#2 - #2/0
Best LocationsTampa Bay, FL; Port O'Connor, TX; Mobile Bay, AL; Destin, FL

Where to Fish It

Tampa Bay

FL · Bay

Port O'Connor

TX · Bay

Mobile Bay

AL · Bay

Destin

FL · Nearshore

Map unavailable. Locations for Lefty's Deceiver: Tampa Bay, FL; Port O'Connor, TX; Mobile Bay, AL; Destin, FL

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hatch guide

Saltwater Forage: Matching the Bait

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