The Softy Sand Eeel (Sili Skin texture) imitates small forage fish such as European sprats, silverside sand smelts, smelts and other fish.
It is one of the most effective imitation patterns available to the sea bass fly fisherman.
It is versatile for most exploratory fishing situations, whether on the edge or in the open water.
Lay it down gently, with a clear-tipped intermediate line and a long, fine fluorocarbon tipped along the bladderwrack edge at the very beginning of the rise.
The best way to get Labrax out of its retreat!
Big surprises and adrenaline at the end.
The colors and sizes will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the moment.
My professional and personal choice as a fly fishing guide specialized in saltwater fly fishing for European sea bass.
Available sizes: #02 and #04
Color: White
Tips for use
This is an easy to cast fly with rods weights of 6 to 9 and special intermediate sea bass lines, but also with sinking lines.
It also works well as a floating line in shallow water between rows of oyster beds and all areas of shallow clear water at the end of the outgoing tide and the very beginning of the incoming tide.
Its attractiveness lies not only in its jerky swimming action as it is lightly weighted at the head, but also in its great imitativeness, its "soft" touch and its lightness which makes it easy to swallow.
The three colours (white/blue, white and white/chartreuse) and the two sizes (#02, #04) make it suitable for fishing all season long, from May to the end of November.
The white/blue and white models are best suited to very clear water and bright conditions (but not only!) while the white/chartreuse version seems to be more effective in low light (cloudy and overcast) and slightly murky water.
The clearer and more shallow the water, the longer and thinner the leader should be (discretion when casting and elasticity when striking big fish).
Attach a looped knot to the end of the leader to improve its action (Perfection loop & Homer Rhode knots).
Ideally a Rio and SA type SW fluorocarbon tippet from 06 to 16 lbs.
The line should be retrieved rod tip underwater, with long, quick, jerky pulls on the line, so as to make the fly glide and then tilt.
The strike is generally straightforward and violent.
But it can be very subtle on larger, more educated fish.
Any loss of contact must be punished by a strong strike by pulling on the line with the left hand (right hand for left-handers).
Very often, this imitative fly is frankly swallowed soon after the first strip or right after entering the water.
Tied on a Tiemco 811S hook.
Softy Sandeel White (Group 6)
958602 #02
958504 #04