The Steve Austin Fly is a distinctive prawn/shrimp imitation that doubles as a powerful search and trigger pattern for saltwater species and estuary predators that feed on crustaceans along flats, estuaries, and tidal zones. It is a particularly good Blacktail (Kolstert) fly.

Originally shared by South African fly fishing pioneer Conrad Botes, this fly blends elements of classic saltwater patterns — with a pink body, white tail, tan/root-beer over-wing, and subtle flash.

Rather than matching a specific natural exactly, the Steve Austin’s profile, colours, and motion suggest prawns, grass shrimp, and other crustaceans commonly found in intertidal flats, estuaries, and tidal creek mouths — prime feeding grounds for species such as blacktail, grunter, and other inshore predators.

This makes it especially effective in South African conditions because:

• Many coastal flats and estuaries have abundant crustacean food chains that fish key into.
• Predatory fish hit these aggressive search flies when cruising shallow flats with the incoming tide.
• The fly’s flash and profile help attract attention even in moving water or bright conditions.

Tied in-house by Stream and Sea, the Steve Austin Fly is built with durable materials, strong hooks, and an eye-catching profile that performs when fish are active on prawns.

A bold prawn imitation designed to trigger takes — whether you’re casting to sighted fish or covering flats on the tide.

Key Features

• Inspired by the Steve Austin prawn pattern from The Mission Fly Mag
• Imitates prawns, shrimp, and crustacean prey
• Bulky body with subtle flash to attract predator attention
• Effective search and trigger pattern for South African saltwater and estuary species
• Versatile across flats, estuary mouths, and tidal zones

How to Fish It (SA Conditions)

• Line: Floating or intermediate
• Retrieve: Slow strips with pauses, short sharp pulls
• Best Use: Estuary flats, tidal creeks, incoming tide hunting, search patterns