United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island, Inc.
Tom Kintz’ Big Reef Squid
Tied by Jim Barr
The pattern was developed by Tom Kintz of Connecticut and the pattern appears in Bob Veverka’s book, Innovative Saltwater Flies, Stackpole Books, Copyright @1999, pg. 105. The pattern is also referred to in Tom Keer’s book, Flyfisher’s Guide to the New England Coast. In that book Tom writes a short piece on pg. 34 pertaining to Squid. “Long fin squid and boreal squid are the two common squid that we find on the East Coast. Like shrimp, they change their colors very easily. Squid use their tentacles to grasp their prey, and they are found in any area that has baitfish and elvers. Reefs, saltponds, mouth of rivers, and harbors are the more common spots. They move backwards and when frightened emit a black ink. Some popular patterns are Abrames RSL Moonstone Squid, and RLS Amber Squidazzle, and RLS Razzledazzle, Blados Crease Squid, Kintz Big Reef, Chris Windram’s Chris’ Squid, Caolo’s Magic Squid.”
Per Alan Caolo in his book, Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Atlantic Baitfish & Other Food Sources, Frank Amato Publications, Copyright @ 1995, page 40...”Squid are found in groups ranging from small pods of a few individuals to large schools of thousands. Squid move inshore in spring as they invade estuaries and bays to spawn. They will depart in the early summer and return to the same inshore waters in the fall. They range in size from three inches to twelve, with five to eight inches being typical. Natural materials give the pattern a pulsating action making the pattern irresistible.”
The Watch Hill and Brenton Reefs and Newport Harbor are excellent locations to fish for spring Squid.
Hook: Tiemco 911S, long shank, #2/0 to 4/0
Thread: Clear mono
Tentacles: Six long genetic white saddle hackles
Rear Collar: White bucktail and pearl Flashabou
Underbody: .032-inch lead wire, 8 to 10 wraps
Body: Pearl Bill’s Bodi-Braid
Head Collar: White bucktail
Topping: Pink, tan, or other color craft hair to evenly cover head collar
Trim: Fine black and/or red permanent marker
Eyes: White doll eyes, 10 or 12 millimeters
