Cape Cod Sand Eel

The Cape Cod Sand Eel was developed by New England fly tyers to replicate the abundant and essential sand eels found along the Atlantic coast, particularly in the waters surrounding Cape Cod. These small, slender baitfish are a primary food source for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore, making this fly a go-to pattern for saltwater anglers. Its slim profile, lifelike movement, and subtle shimmer capture the essence of a sand eel, making it particularly effective in the clear, shallow waters where these baitfish thrive. Originally designed for use during the summer and fall migrations, the fly’s versatility has earned it a place in fly boxes year-round for surf, flats, and even boat fishing.

Dropper Rig Strategy: Pair the Cape Cod Sand Eel Fly as a dropper behind a larger baitfish imitation. This tandem rig mimics a small sand eel chasing prey, a behavior that attracts aggressive predators looking for an easy meal.