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Handcrafted premium fishing flies, designed for exceptional performance and unforgettable days on the water.
The Clouser Minnow, originally known as the Clouser Deep Minnow, has become one of the most recognized and versatile patterns in fly fishing.
Developed by renowned angler and guide Bob Clouser in Pennsylvania, the pattern evolved into its now-famous form in 1987 and was originally intended for Smallmouth Bass on the Susquehanna River. Clouser sought to create an effective baitfish imitation capable of reaching deeper water while maintaining an enticing action during the retrieve.
The Design That Made It Different
One of the Clouser Minnow’s most distinctive features is its weighted dumbbell eyes, positioned behind the hook eye. The placement of this weight causes the fly to ride with the hook point facing upward, helping reduce snags when fishing near the bottom, around rocks, or close to vegetation. The weighted eyes also give the fly its characteristic dipping and darting action during the retrieve, helping it suggest the movement of a fleeing or injured baitfish.
Simple Materials, Remarkable Versatility
The traditional Clouser Minnow is tied primarily with bucktail, typically combining a lighter belly with a darker upper wing and adding a small amount of flash. Its simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. Different hook sizes, weights, and color combinations allow the pattern to be adapted to a wide variety of species, depths, and fishing conditions.
See why anglers trust Mao's Fly on every cast.
A Pattern That Traveled the World
Legendary angler Lefty Kreh played an important role in popularizing the Clouser Deep Minnow and introducing it to anglers around the world. Kreh reportedly caught more than 80 different species using variations of the pattern in both freshwater and saltwater— an extraordinary demonstration of the Clouser Minnow’s versatility. Today, the Clouser Minnow is widely recognized as a highly versatile baitfish pattern used for freshwater and saltwater species around the world.
Our Clouser Minnow Variations
At Mao’s Factory, we tie our own variations of this legendary pattern, experimenting with different combinations of colors and materials. We use different hook sizes—with a preference for #2—and combinations of bucktail in white, beige, brown, green, olive, and chartreuse, together with reflective materials that add flash and contrast.
Most importantly, these variations have been tested by us in Florida waters. In the Florida Everglades, our Clouser Minnow variations have produced strikes and catches primarily from Peacock Bass and Largemouth Bass. In Biscayne Bay, they have also produced strikes and catches from Barracuda and Snapper.
There's a Craftsman: Every fly begins with skilled hands, premium materials, and a commitment to quality that anglers can trust.
Every cast tells a story.
From calm mornings in the Everglades to unforgettable trophy catches, Mao's Fly is designed to perform where it matters most.
Whether you’re chasing Peacock Bass or exploring new waters, every strike begins with confidence.
The Mao’s Clouser Minnow was created for anglers who appreciate craftsmanship, patience, and the excitement of every cast. Each fly is carefully handcrafted using premium materials and tested in real fishing conditions throughout the Florida Everglades.
Because every strike tells a story, and every catch becomes a memory.
Handcrafted Flies for Every Fishing Adventure
Every fly in the Mao’s Factory Collection is handcrafted using premium materials and carefully tested to deliver lifelike action, durability, and consistent performance on the water. Whether you’re fishing the Florida Everglades or your favorite local waters, you’ll find the perfect fly for every condition and target species.
Every Mao’s Factory fly is handcrafted with premium materials, lifelike action, and proven craftsmanship to help you fish with confidence. Explore our complete collection and discover the perfect fly for your next adventure.
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