Many years ago, I was having trouble with some bass that were feeding on silversides in a Rhode Island breechway. The fish were active, but I couldn’t get them to bite. Ken Abrames recommended that I try the Ray’s Fly Featherwing, a dressed-down flatwing version of Ray’s Fly. I remember him telling me that it was, at the least, another arrow in the fly box quiver.
That was a long time ago. I remember tying some up, but I don’t know what became of them. I know I caught stripers on them. I think I lost my last one to a bluefish.
Recently, someone on one of the forums asked about a “Ray’s Fly flatwing.” I think the Ray’s Fly Featherwing is the fly he was referencing. I haven’t tied in a couple of weeks, so I went down to the bench this morning and churned out a few. So simple. And sparse. I’d be as inclined to use these for a sand eel as I would a silverside.
All saddles are tied in flat — flatwing style, as they say. Note that the olive saddle is tied in at the head. All you need to do now is add water.
Ray’s Fly Featherwing flatwing
currentseams.com 
I had a similar experience this past July in Newport. Bass slopping around and I couldn’t get a hit until I went to a size 10 flatwing. I remember Kenny telling me to spend some time watching the fish. I did, saw they were sipping sand eels and down sized. 3 high end schoolies came on 3 casts.
I must have missed this comment 7 years ago. That’s a great story, an even better lesson, and I thank you for sharing it.
Way to go as I said earlier when I talk to you but the rays fly I have not tied a version in the flat wing before but it’s my go to smallmouth pattern a lot of times they really like to fly. I think Ray did a great job of designing it. Are you going to tie up just a few rebels also? And have you tried doing a rebel variation in a flat wing.? Jim Ducy.
Hi Jim, ‘Round these parts the water has been high or higher, so I’ve been throwing precious few unweighted patterns. I will have to give Ray’s Fly a shot with smallies. I haven’t tied Ray’s Yellow Rebel in a long time, but this is a good reminder to tie some up for this fall. I presume you’re talking about a large, multi-feather variation since the original is a flatwing? I have not tried it. But you can. 🙂