Paul’s Sand Eel
(a.k.a. the fly most of which originated from Kenny Abrames)
Hook: Mustad #34007 or salt water hook of
preference, size #1.
Thread: Clear
monofilament. The head of the fly is
tied with flat waxed white thread.
Tail: Approximately 20 white bucktail hairs, topped
by 4 strands of holographic tinsel, topped by a thin yellow saddle hackle,
topped by a thin olive grizzly hackle, topped by a thin white grizzly hackle.
Body: Pearlescent mylar tubing. Coated with 5 minute epoxy.
Eyes: 3D eyes.
Coated with 5 minute epoxy.
I have been tying this
fly for so many years I had forgotten where I got it. With a little investigation I discovered it
probably originated as Kenny Abrames’ Eely fly pattern. Way back when, in the early 90’s, Ken’s book
‘Striper Moon’, his perspective on fly fishing techniques, and his flies, were
the ‘buzz’ of the salt water fly fishing world.
I’ve modified his fly in a number of ways. I’ve added a little flash to the tail. Also, I coat the body with epoxy for
durability. It also makes the body more
translucent with the darker trailing feathers on top. Finally, I’ve added eyes to the fly. Some may argue that the eyes and the epoxy
have a negative impact on the movement and fluidity of the fly, but it’s worked
for me. With sand eels sometimes “thin
is in”. This fly has been a great
producer for me throughout the years.
Most recently I fished it in Puerto Rico and had great luck with it for
non-striper species.
Begin by starting your
thread behind the hook eye and wrap back to the bend. Tie in your white bucktail. I usually tie it in right behind my hook eye
and wrap it down to the bend. The
bucktail should extend approximately 2 ½ times the length of the hook shank
beyond the bend. Tie in your holographic
flash the same way but extend it an additional half inch beyond the
bucktail. Next, top the tail with a thin
yellow saddle hackle. It should also
extend a half inch beyond your bucktail.
Top that with a thin grizzly olive saddle hackle. Top that with a white grizzly saddle
hackle. Bring your clear mono thread up
behind the hook eye. Whip finish and tie
it off. Cut a piece of mylar tubing the
length of the hook shank. Slip it over
the hook eye and onto the hook shank.
Bind it down behind the hook eye with flat waxed white thread. Also, form a small head upon which you will
affix your 3D eyes. Coat the body and
the eyes with 5 minute epoxy. The most
important thing to remember with this pattern is to keep it thin.
Experiment with what works best for you.
Try different sizes and colors. I
think you’ll find it to be an indispensible addition to your salt water fly
box.
Below is a brief video on how to tie this Flat Wing Sand Eel:
If you have any questions about this fly or would
like to submit a pattern of the month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or
e-mail me at pdinice@frontier.com
.
