BaitfishbeginnerNortheast & Mid-Atlantic
Bay Anchovy
$6.95
Available Sizes#4 - #8
Color Variations
Silver/WhiteOlive/WhiteClear/Silver
The bay anchovy is two inches of silver protein that exists solely to be eaten by everything else in the ocean. It is the most abundant baitfish in the Northeast, which makes sense because the attrition rate is catastrophic. This fly matches the anchovy's diminutive profile with a sparse construction that would embarrass a trout fly. Tie it on a #6 hook, strip it fast, and watch the most selective fish in the ocean -- false albacore -- suddenly become agreeable. In matching the hatch, sometimes less is everything.
Quick Facts
TypeBaitfish
Difficultybeginner
SeasonsSummer, Fall
Target SpeciesFalse Albacore, Bonito, Weakfish, Bluefish
Sizes#4 - #8
Best LocationsMartha's Vineyard, MA; Chesapeake Bay, MD; Nantucket, MA
Where to Fish It
Martha's Vineyard
MA · Rips
Chesapeake Bay
MD · Estuaries
Nantucket
MA · Flats
Map unavailable. Locations for Bay Anchovy: Martha's Vineyard, MA; Chesapeake Bay, MD; Nantucket, MA
Related Reading
region guide
Northeast Stripers: The Blitz Guide
The fall blitz along the Northeast coast is one of fly fishing's most electrifying phenomena. When migrating stripers, bluefish, and false albacore pin baitfish against the surface, the water erupts into a frenzy that can be cast to with a fly rod. This is how you prepare for it.
hatch guide
Saltwater Forage: Matching the Bait
In saltwater fly fishing, there are no hatches — there is forage. Mullet, shrimp, crabs, baitfish, and worms drive every feeding event on the flats, in the surf, and along the mangrove edges. Understanding the forage base and matching it precisely is the difference between a fish of a lifetime and an empty line.
You Might Also Like
BaitfishintermediateSurf Candy
$8.50Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
#2 - #6
Tied by Joe Fox & Kelly Buchta
Epoxy-coated baitfish imitation. Nearly indestructible. Sinks fast and flashes through the water column. The bluefish-proof fly.
Olive/WhiteChartreuse/WhiteSilverPink/White
False Albacore · Bonito · Bluefish · Striped Bass
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishintermediateEP Baitfish (Northeast)
$9.95Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
#1 - #3/0
Enrico Puglisi's EP fiber baitfish adapted for Northeast species. The translucent body imitates everything from spearing to herring. A modern classic that has earned a permanent spot in every striper box.
Olive/WhiteSilver/WhiteHerringBunkerTan/White
Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore · Weakfish
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishbeginnerSnake Fly
$7.95Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
#1 - #2/0 (tied long, 4-6 inches)
A long, slender sand eel imitation made from a single saddle hackle wrapped around the shank. Incredibly simple construction creates a remarkably realistic sand eel profile in the water.
WhiteOliveTan
Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishintermediateHalf & Half
$9.95Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
#1/0 - #3/0
Bob Popovics' brilliant combination of a Clouser front with a Deceiver rear. Lead eyes for depth, saddle hackle for profile. The best of both worlds in one pattern.
Chartreuse/WhiteOlive/WhiteHerringAll White
Striped Bass · Bluefish · Weakfish
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishintermediateBonito Bunny
$8.95Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
#2 - #6
A rabbit strip baitfish pattern sized for bonito and false albacore. The undulating fur creates a lifelike swimming action that triggers strikes from fast, selective pelagic predators.
WhiteOlive/WhiteChartreuse/White
Bonito · False Albacore
SprSumFallWin
View Details →
BaitfishbeginnerPage's Sand Eel
$7.95Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
#2 - #6 (3-4 inches)
A weighted sand eel imitation that rides hook-up and imitates the American sand lance that is the primary forage species for Northeast gamefish from May through November.
Olive/WhiteTan/WhiteSilver
Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore · Fluke
SprSumFallWin
View Details →