Every spring the longfin squid move inshore, and striped bass gorge on them. The Red Can Squid is the classic New England fly for that bite, named for a well-known squid color, it is a big, soft, pulsing pattern that matches the size and undulating action of a real squid better than a standard baitfish fly ever could.
What it imitates
This fly is all about the squid profile: a full body and a set of long, breathing tentacles that flutter and collapse on the pause, exactly like a jetting squid. When bass are keyed on squid, that specific shape and pulsing motion is what triggers the eat.
How to fish it
Fish it around the squid run, structure, rips and lights at night, on an intermediate or sinking line. A strip-pause retrieve makes the tentacles open and close and the body surge and glide, imitating a squid's jet-and-drift. Slow it down and let it breathe.
Tip Squid pulse and drift rather than swim steadily. Build long pauses into your retrieve so the tentacles flare and the fly hangs, that hanging, breathing moment is when bass commit.
Sizes and colors
Classic squid tones, reddish, pink, tan and white, often with a reddish or amber cast, match the naturals and the famous can color. Size it to the squid that are around, and do not be shy about a big profile; squid are a substantial meal.