The Truth About “Cheat Flies” – Blobs, Boobies & Squirmy Worms

Stillwater Edge Podcast - Episode #27: The Truth About “Cheat Flies” – Blobs, Boobies & Squirmy Worms

Hook: Some anglers swear by them, others turn their noses up at them. But here’s the thing—so-called “cheat flies” like blobs, boobies, and squirmy worms catch fish. If you’re ignoring them, you’re missing out on one of the most effective ways to trigger aggressive strikes. In this episode, I break down why they work, why trout love them, and why you should be fishing them.

Key Takeaways from This Episode Why Do Some Anglers Hate These Flies?

• They Break Tradition: Fly fishing has deep roots in natural imitation, and some anglers see these flies as a step away from that.
• They Make It “Too Easy”: Some believe these flies remove the skill of reading the water and presenting a fly naturally.
• They Work “Too Well”: Yes, some anglers don’t like them simply because they catch fish too effectively.

Why Do Trout Love These Flies?

1. Bright Colors Trigger Aggression – Just like a cat chasing a laser pointer, trout react instinctively to these flashy flies.
2. Movement Mimics Food Signals – Squirmy worms wriggle like real worms, and blobs & boobies have buoyancy that mimics emerging insects.
3. Trout Are Opportunistic Feeders – They eat what looks good, especially in stocked lakes where fish are conditioned to chase bright objects.

Why Should You Be Fishing These Flies?

• They Catch Fish – Period. If your goal is to put fish in the net, why ignore what works?
• They Work When Nothing Else Does. When trout aren’t feeding aggressively or ignoring naturals, these flies can trigger reaction strikes.
• They Teach You Trout Behavior. Watching how trout react to different retrieves and depths helps you understand their feeding habits.

Pros & Cons of Cheat Flies

Pros: ✔️ High Catch Rates – Proven to outfish traditional flies in many situations. ✔️ Easy to Fish – Great for beginners, and hard to fish incorrectly. ✔️ Perfect for Tough Conditions – When trout aren’t responding to naturals, these flies can change the game. ✔️ Deadly in Cold Water – When natural hatches are minimal, these flies still produce.

Cons: ❌ Not for the Purists – Some anglers will judge, but that’s their problem, not yours. ❌ Can Make You Over-Reliant – Don’t let them replace your ability to fish natural patterns effectively. ❌ Less Effective in Ultra-Clear Water – Sometimes trout prefer subtle, natural imitations.

Final Thoughts

If you want to catch more fish, these flies should be in your box. There’s a time for natural patterns, but there’s also a time to trigger a reaction strike—and that’s where blobs, boobies, and squirmy worms shine.

Call to Action: What’s your take on cheat flies? Love them? Hate them? Let’s talk about it! Follow me on Instagram at Stillwater Edge for more Stillwater tips. And if you found this episode helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fishing buddy.

Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.