California Flyer Co. Delta Flyer 270
- phil32990
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read

The California Flyer Co. Delta Flyer 270 is a highly specialized offshore lure designed to imitate one of the most important forage species in big-game fishing—the flying fish. Built with extreme realism and engineered for kite fishing applications, this lure targets serious anglers chasing pelagics like tuna, sailfish, and mahi. At around $75, it sits firmly in the premium artificial bait category.
First Impressions
Right out of the package, the Delta Flyer 270 stands out for its lifelike appearance. Unlike traditional trolling lures or soft plastics, this bait is modeled from 3D scans of real flying fish, giving it an unmatched level of detail in profile, coloration, and proportions.
At 10.5 inches, it offers a slightly smaller profile than its 350 counterpart—making it more versatile in fisheries where a subtler presentation gets more action.
Key Features & Design
Ultra-Realistic Construction
The lure uses TPE rubber construction combined with detailed paint schemes to mimic a real flying fish closely.
Natural translucency
Flexible body for lifelike movement
Durable enough for repeated strikes
Interchangeable Wing System
One of the most unique features is the dual wing design:
Spread wings → skipping/gliding action on the surface
Delta (tucked) wings → more subtle movement for drifting or slow trolling
This allows anglers to adapt the lure to different conditions without switching baits.
Internal Harness System
The Delta Flyer 270 features a line-through internal harness, improving:
Hook-up ratios
Durability (less tearing vs. external rigging)
Natural presentation
Multi-Application Versatility
This lure isn’t limited to one technique. It can be fished:
From a kite
Slow-trolled
Fly-lined on a drift
Pulled from outriggers or a green stick
Performance
Surface Action
With the spread-wing setup, the lure produces a convincing skipping/gliding motion, closely resembling a fleeing flying fish. This is where it shines—especially in kite fishing scenarios where realism is everything.
Stability
The bait has been tuned for stability both in flight and at rest, meaning fewer spin-outs and better tracking in rough conditions.
Strike Appeal
This lure is built for reaction bites from large pelagics. Its effectiveness comes from:
Profile accuracy
Surface commotion
Realistic silhouette against the sky
Durability
Compared to traditional soft plastics, the Delta Flyer 270 is impressively tough:
TPE material resists tearing
Internal harness reduces stress on the body
Replaceable/adjustable components extend lifespan
However, like any high-end lure, toothy fish and repeated big-game hits will eventually wear it down.
Considerations
Heavy Tackle Required
This is not a casual lure. It’s designed for:
130 lb+ line class setups
Heavy leaders and large treble hooks
Price Point
At ~$75, it’s expensive—but comparable to other premium offshore artificial baits.
Niche Application
This is not a general-purpose lure:
Overkill for inshore species
Best suited for offshore pelagic fisheries
Delta 270 vs 350
Attribute | Delta Flyer 270 $75.00•Melton International Tackle | Delta Flyer 350 $100.00•California Flyer Co. |
Size | 10.5" | Larger profile |
Best Use | Subtle / pressured fish | Big profile / aggressive fish |
Versatility | Higher | Slightly more specialized |
Price | ~$75 | ~$100 |
The California Flyer Co. Delta Flyer 270 is one of the most realistic flying fish imitations ever made, and it absolutely delivers in the scenarios it was built for.
Pros
Exceptional realism (arguably best in class)
Versatile rigging and fishing methods
Durable construction
Adjustable action via interchangeable wings
Bottom line:If you’re targeting big pelagics and want a top-tier artificial flying fish, the Delta Flyer 270 is a serious weapon—especially when live bait isn’t an option.
