RIO Pipe Eel Fly
One of the most common food sources for saltwater game fish is the sand eel, or sand lance. The long slender body is easy to spot, and they are abundant throughout the year in many locations throughout the world. They can be found in colors from a bright lime to a very dark olive/black back, with a light colored belly. RIO’s Pipe Eel was named for the fact that it looked like the offspring of a pipefish and a sand eel. The offshore fishermen will appreciate the darker pattern, especially with a deeper sinking line, while the light color will be more universal throughout the water column. And for an added element of fun, these flies are highly UV reactive, and will glow under UV light.
Product Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Options | Lime, olive/black, light belly |
| UV Reactivity | Highly UV reactive, glows under UV light |
| Design | Named after a hybrid of pipefish and sand eel |
| Use Case | Targeting saltwater game fish in offshore and open water environments |
FAQ
Is the Pipe Eel fly suitable for both offshore and inshore fishing?
Yes, the Pipe Eel fly works well in both offshore and inshore settings. The darker color is particularly effective in deeper water, while the light color is more versatile across the water column.
Does the Pipe Eel fly glow under UV light?
Yes, the Pipe Eel fly is highly UV reactive and will glow under UV light, making it useful for visibility during low-light conditions or when using UV lighting in the field.
What types of fish are most likely to be attracted to the Pipe Eel fly?
The Pipe Eel fly is designed to mimic sand eels, a common food source for saltwater game fish such as tuna, marlin, and sailfish.


Ruth Grant –
The Pipe Eel fly performs well in both deep and shallow waters. I used it during offshore trips and noticed fish reacting to the UV glow, especially in the early morning. The color variation helps with different light conditions.
Thomas Baker –
Great imitation of natural prey. The UV glow is noticeable and adds a fun element to my fishing sessions. Works well in open water with a sinking line.
Lillian Greene –
I’ve used this fly in multiple locations and it consistently attracts fish. The design is realistic and the UV feature helps me see it clearly in low light.