Fly Tying Inventory
Surf Candy
A sleek, ultra-realistic saltwater baitfish pattern that uses synthetic fibers sealed with UV resin to create a translucent, minnow-like body. The Surf Candy is deadly for stripers, bluefish, and false albacore, especially in clear water where realism matters.
🪶 Ready to tie this?
This pattern needs 7 materials. Sign up free to check which ones you already own.
Materials
Short-shank saltwater hook, size 1/0-6 (e.g., Gamakatsu SC15 or Tiemco 811S)
White monofilament thread or fine clear mono
White Super Hair, Slinky Fiber, or Steve Farrar Flash Blend
Olive, chartreuse, or blue Super Hair or Flash Blend
Pearl Lateral Scale Flashabou or Holographic Flashabou
3D adhesive eyes (3-4mm, silver or pearl)
UV resin (Solarez Thick and Thin) for head and body coating
How to Tie the Surf Candy
- 1
Step 1
Mount hook in vise. Start mono thread and wrap a base along the shank.
Monofilament thread creates an invisible base under the translucent body.
- 2
Step 2
Tie in a sparse clump of white Super Hair or Flash Blend at the midpoint of the shank, extending rearward about 2-3 inches.
Keep fibers sparse—the UV resin adds the bulk.
- 3
Step 3
Add a few strands of pearl Flashabou along each side for lateral flash. Then tie in the back-colored fibers (olive or chartreuse) on top.
Flash should be slightly shorter than the body fibers.
- 4
Step 4
Advance thread to behind the eye. Tie in additional belly fibers (white) underneath and back fibers on top at this point.
Build up layers working toward the head.
- 5
Step 5
Whip finish the thread. Apply adhesive eyes to each side of the head.
Position eyes symmetrically for a balanced profile.
- 6
Step 6
Apply a thin layer of UV resin over the head and around the eyes. Cure with a UV light. Add a second coat if needed for a smooth, rounded head.
Rotate the fly while curing for an even coat.
- 7
Step 7
Trim the tail fibers to a tapered, minnow-like shape. Clean up any stray fibers.
The finished fly should be slim and torpedo-shaped for realistic swimming action.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icS1HFlW4BA
Credit: Bob Popovics