Captain Ray's Flies

Captain Ray's flies are popular saltwater flies for striped bass fishing. They are tied with all synthetic materials. The two shown above are: top - Silverside, and bottom - Bay Anchovy.

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About Captain Ray's Flies

Captain Ray's flies are tied with synthetic materials. Many saltwater flies today are tied with an array of synthetic materials that allow us to achieve effects only dreamed about in the old days. Angel Hair is one such material. Two properties that make it inherently productive are its ability to flow naturally and its translucency. The combination of motion and color creates subtle hues that add realism. The flies look very much like the fish's natural forage.

One problem with tying flies with angel hair is that angel hair is rather soft and pliable and has a tendency to wrap around the hook during the cast. This is known as fouling. To combat this problem, Captain Ray developed the technique of first tying a small bundle of ultra hair along the hook shank. Ultra hair is a little stiffer than angel hair and creates somewhat of a barrier to the angel hair. This prevents the angel hair from wrapping around the hook and fouling.

Captain Ray Stachelek ties a variety of saltwater flies, most using his unique way of tying flies with angel hair

Captain Ray operates Cast a Fly Charters in Southeastern New England. He enjoys designing flies, teaching the art of fly tying, and sharing his 40 years experience through seminars and slide shows.

If you are going to fly fish for striped bass, make sure you have some Captain Ray's Flies.