Sand eels are a wonderful forage fish that supplies great opportunities for the nearshore fly angler. These long thin critters are found over a large extent of the Atlantic coast, ranging from the far north down to the Carolinas. In addition they are easy to match with a fly and have a regular diurnal cycle that assists anglers in predicting the bite.
Typically they vary in size from young-of-the-year sand eels of about 1.5 inches, to large adults of 4 inches and beyond. Coloration is usually black over silver in dark water locations (particularly those with a mud bottom) to green over silver on many clear sandy beaches. That said I have seen pinkish/ tan over silver on rare occasion on Cape Cod.
Sand eel Flies
Sand eel flies can be very simple. Above you see two that I tied. Both are actually the same construction; one weighted with lead eyes, the other with bead-chain. Lets take a look at how the top fly was made.
This is a size 2 34007 Mustad, but other similar hooks work just fine. The Gamakatsu SL 11-3H is a very good example. I wrapped the the shank with white Danville Flat wax nylon and tied in 1/8″ black bean-chain eyes. Step 2 involves bringing the thread to the rear of the bend. Then tying in a piece of copper wire. (either copper colored wire or in this case sea-foam green.) Then tie in a piece of Bill’s Bodi Braid. Four inches will do.
Now you’re ready for the bottom wing. You can use either white bucktail or in my case white Steve Farrar Blend. Tie the wing down immediately behind the bead- chain eye.
Step four involves placing a green wing on top of the white. Here again bucktail works, but I’m using mackerel color Steve Farrar Blend. Tie this wing down immediately in front of the bead-chain eye. Pull the two wings tight together and over swap both with the copper wire in open loops.
To finish the fly I use a coat of clear UV acrylic. And often apply an overcoat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails . Below is the same fly tied with a gold bead-chain eye. Yes the tail is wet this time.
