Popovic's Squid Candy Fly

Popovic's Squid Candy Fly is a translucent baitfish pattern built to mimic a small squid or glassy, soft-bodied forage, and it is known for its clean profile and lifelike shimmer in moving water. When predators are keyed on semi-transparent prey, this is the kind of fly that earns a permanent spot in the saltwater box. Fish it for species like striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and other inshore predators that hunt by sight.

What It Imitates

This pattern suggests a small squid, with a slim, see-through body and subtle flash that reads as natural instead of loud. The shape and translucency help it pass as the real thing when fish are tracking smaller, softer prey in clear water. It can also stand in for tiny baitfish when the fish want a narrow profile and a lighter, more transparent look.

Why We Like It

Squid Candy shines when you need realism without bulk. The materials create a clean silhouette and a “wet” look that holds up in the wash, so it keeps its bait-like profile as you fish it. Each fly is tied by Montana Fly Company, and because it is handmade, the fly you receive may vary slightly from photos. Flies that are not individually packaged are not returnable.

Comparisons

Popovic's Squid Candy Fly vs a Clouser Minnow:

The Clouser Minnow is a heavier, more jigging-style baitfish fly that is often chosen to get down fast and ride hook point up around structure. Squid Candy is about a slimmer, more transparent look, which can matter when fish are picky or feeding in clear, bright conditions. Choose Squid Candy when the forage is small and see-through, choose a Clouser when you need weight, depth control, and a bolder baitfish outline.

Popovic's Squid Candy Fly vs a Deceiver:

A Deceiver pushes a longer, wider profile with more sweep and presence, which is great when predators are chasing bigger meals or you need a stronger silhouette. Squid Candy keeps things tighter and cleaner, with less bulk and a more subtle flash signature. Reach for Squid Candy when fish are dialing in on smaller prey and refusing larger patterns, reach for a Deceiver when you want more profile and movement.

Popovic's Squid Candy Fly vs an EP-style Baitfish:

EP-style baitfish patterns often carry more body and a fuller 3D shape, which can be ideal when you want maximum profile and a stable swim. Squid Candy leans into a sparse, translucent build that looks natural in clear water and matches soft-bodied forage like squid. Pick Squid Candy when subtlety and transparency matter most, pick an EP-style baitfish when you want a thicker shape that stands out more in mixed light or slightly off-color water.