When the hardtails are keyed in on the smallest bait and turning their noses up at everything else, this is the fly to tie on. Bauer’s Snot Rocket is a slim, translucent micro baitfish pattern built for picky fish: false albacore, bonito, and any striper or bluefish that has locked in on bay anchovies, glass minnows, or tiny peanut bunker.

A clear resin head with a small black eye, a sparse white synthetic wing, and a few strands of silver flash give it the see-through look of the real thing without any bulk. The small silhouette matches the bait when it is barely an inch or two long, and the fly casts easily into the wind, so you can get it in front of a busting school fast. Tied locally by Bauer, a familiar face around the shop, on a strong saltwater hook that will hold up to a hot albie run.

• Perfect for picky, pressured fish that refuse bigger flies
• Ideal for albies, bonito, and any time the bait is small
• Slim, translucent profile imitates bay anchovies and glass minnows
• Casts easily, even in the wind
• Hand tied locally on a strong saltwater hook

Fish it with a fast, steady strip when fish are blitzing, or a slower two-hand retrieve when they are cruising and selective. Pair it with a 15 to 20 lb fluorocarbon tippet for the best presentation.