ANGLERS HEAD WEST TO BC’S bountiful coastline for what can be spectacular saltwater action on the fly. The novice may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of available new fly patterns produced yearly. One of the most overlooked and underused patterns is the squid imitation. Squid flies have been proven to be highly productive in instances where overused patterns fail to interest jaded fish. Their effectiveness is dependent upon the proper choice of location and technique.
Present in large numbers on the west coast, the Pacific Coast Squid or Loligo Opalescens, can be found in estuaries, deep water and along beaches in pursuit of small baitfish. These squid provide a desirable dietary alternative for various gamefish. Where gamefish have gorged themselves on baitfish, using a squid pattern can be very effective. This often entails venturing into kelp beds, rock croppings and cruising shorelines.
The natural action of the squid involves a series of darting movements interspersed with moments of suspended motion. Pausing between combinations of long and short strips, and retrieves is essential for proper technique.
Squid appearance is characterized by translucent tube-like body and conical tail ranging between three and 8 inches in total length. There are 10 appendages include eight arms and a pair of longer tentacles protruding from the head that features two prominent eyes. Since their skin contains pigment cells which allow them to quickly change colour for reasons of camouflage, communication and courtship.
Fly imitations can utilize a variety of colours such as white, chartreuse, pink with blue and purple hues. Tan or olive tones are ideal for fishing around kelp beds and dark bottoms. Materials with these colours should ideally have properties suggesting free movement. Good choices include rabbit, marabou plumage or long webby saddles. Using synthetics that achieve translucency and reflectivety is also a prerequisite. Ezy body tubing and various mylar tubing is very popular for representing its conical shape. Good examples of a squid fly by BC tyers are… Weigh Wester or Smiley, Flashy Parrot, The Glow Fly originated by Shawn Bennett; Tofino Squid by Malcolm Ruddick; and Ezy Body Squid, Tiger Squid and Little Calamari from The Fly Box.
The squid pattern is a good reminder of the old lesson… creativity in the field, as well as on the tying bench, is often the greater part of fun and inspiration!
For more info…
Dennis Gamboa
The Fly Box
[email protected]
