The Umpqua Capt. Ray's Silversides Fly is a saltwater pattern designed to solve a common problem for anglers chasing picky fish. Created by Captain Ray Stachelek, a legendary guide in the Northeast, this fly targets striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito. It stands out in your fly box because it uses modern synthetic materials to create a realistic, shimmering profile that looks exactly like the small baitfish predators hunt in the surf and bays.What It ImitatesThis pattern specifically mimics the Atlantic Silverside, also known as spearing. It also serves as a great match for bay anchovies, sand eels, and other small, slender baitfish often called "rain bait." The synthetic fibers and flash provide a translucent look that copies the natural shimmer of a real minnow in the water.How To Use ItFish this fly with a strip-pause retrieve. When targeting aggressive species like false albacore or bonito, use a very fast two-handed strip to trigger a reaction strike. For striped bass in estuaries or along the beach, a moderate, steady retrieve often works best. It is excellent for fishing the "wash" right near the shoreline where baitfish get trapped by waves.When To Use ItThis fly shines during the fall run when schools of silversides and anchovies migrate along the coast. It is also a top choice for spring fishing in bays and harbors. The flashy materials make it highly visible in sunny conditions, but it works well in slightly stained water too. Use it whenever you see birds diving or fish breaking the surface on small bait.Why We Like ItWe recommend the Capt. Ray's Silversides because of its durability and realistic movement. Unlike traditional feather flies, the synthetic materials do not waterlog, making the fly easier to cast all day. The specific blend of flash creates a lifelike sparkle that often convinces fish that have ignored duller, more opaque patterns.ComparisonsCapt. Ray's Silversides Fly vs Surf Candy:The Surf Candy is another popular baitfish imitation, but it is built with a hard epoxy head and stiffer fibers. This makes the Surf Candy extremely durable but gives it a rigid action. The Capt. Ray's Silversides uses softer synthetics that breathe and move more freely in the water, offering a more natural swimming action at slower speeds.Capt. Ray's Silversides Fly vs Clouser Minnow:The Clouser Minnow relies on heavy lead dumbbell eyes to give it a jigging, up-and-down motion. It is designed to get deep quickly. In contrast, the Capt. Ray's Silversides is lighter and stays higher in the water column. Choose the Clouser for dredging deep channels, but pick the Capt. Ray's pattern for fishing shallow flats or surface blitzes.Capt. Ray's Silversides Fly vs Lefty's Deceiver:Lefty's Deceiver is a traditional pattern tied with feathers and bucktail, creating a wide profile that pushes a lot of water. The Capt. Ray's Silversides has a much slimmer, more aerodynamic profile. This makes the Silversides a better choice when fish are keyed in on small, thin baitfish like spearing, whereas the Deceiver is better for imitating larger herring or bunker.
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