The Bay Anchovy (also known as the Rainfish) is one of the more common baits found in our inshore fishery. Prized as table fare by striped bass, false albacore, bluefish etc., the bay anchovy migrates into our estuaries in the spring to spawn. Hence during the season, and especially in the fall, brown clouds of this rainbait are abundant. Size may range from one inch for the young of the year up to 4 or 5 inches. It’s when the local predators are keyed in on the small bay anchovies matching that size becomes more of a challenge. The tie I am about to describe is simple, makes use of readily available craft fur, and is tied on octopus style circle hooks. The idea of the fly came to me as I watched Dave Chouinard fine tune his wideside, but uses fewer layers and smaller hooks; call it a skinnyside if you will. The craft fur come in swatches about 10 by 12 inches and costs under $3. I use one in tan and one in light pink. I get mine from Treasure Island but have also seen the fur in fly shops.

Here’s the recipe

1- I usually use a pair of jewelry pliers to open up the hook slightly. Notice that the hook is positioned in the vice with the shank more horizontal. This is to make the tying easier. Starting at the eye, wrap down the shank about 1/8 inch using extra fine mono.(see Step_1)

Step 1

2 - Cut a small swatch of the pink craft fur and remove any short fluff. Square off the end and reverse tie in the craft fur. Cut off the small portion of craft fur sticking out towards the bend and make a few more wraps.

Step 2

3 - Fold the craft fur back and make enough wraps in front of the fold(NOT ON THE FOLD) such that the craft fur is positioned properly.

Step 3