When I
first got into saltwater fly-tying I had no idea about materials and which ones
to use. I became a bit obsessed with different types especially when it came to
tying the good old Clouser. Although Buck tail is available here in NZ I found
it lasted only a few fish, limited range of colours or easy to work
with. So I started collecting different synthetic materials to see what would
be the best substitute and well along the way I learnt a whole lot about all
the different materials that can be used not just for Clousers but
all sorts of flies.
Here is a
list of some of these materials and the advantages/disadvantages of each.
Mirror
Image- This has been one of my favorite materials as it is easy to work
with and shape, easily creates bulk, some translucency, has more movement
than SFF and is durable. Great for smaller flies and comes in generous amount.
I also use this material as the collar on my smaller interceptors. Although it
does not have as much movement as natural materials it does move to some degree
more than other synthetics. There is no flash incorporated but it does if you
get deadly dazzle or you can blend some yourself. It does tangle a bit and
needs reshaping after a few fish but last longer than natural materials.
Deadly
dazzle-same as mirror image but with UV flash added. I prefer mirror
image as it comes in larger hank for the same price and I add angel hair
instead.
SFF- One of
the more popular saltwater flytying materials this material is great
for creating larger flies and adding bulk/profile but not so good on smaller
sizes less than sz1. It comes in a great range of colours and is very translucent.
It also incorporates a bit of flash pre blended.
Craft fur – another
favorite material this one gives loads of action in the water but requires a
wrap up under tail to prevent any tail wrapping. It can also be laid down with
layers of angel hair or other shredded mylar. Although it has plenty of action
I do find it is a bit fragile compared to stiffer materials.
DNA – a
very flashy material and very straight this material is good for slim flies
like clousers and surf candies or even wing toppings and I have seen
this used on large profile flies but you would be using most of a packet on a
couple of flies. This material is now only used sparingly.
EP – This
material is a crinkly synthetic which is softer than SFF and less crinkly so it
does have more movement and thicker profile but the key to this material is not
to use too much. It is very easy to overdo it and have a solid coloured fly
and lose the translucent effect. Bunkers and crabs are often tied with his fly
but using a softer material for tail and using this material for wing would be
better suited but it is great for crab patterns. E.g. deceivers/ interceptors
or crabs. It also is prone to getting tangled and needs a comb to straighten.
Angel
hair/Ice wing/Wing n flash –most of these materials are the same
but angel hair is the straightest. Used as flash in between layers or the
lateral line. You can create whole flies with this material but ice wing may
be best for this as it creates more bulk being the more crinkly
Mega mushy – A
very stiff mylar this is suited to large flies sz1 and bigger and is
great for making large profile flies without using too much material. Comes in
a large pack. Enough to create loads of flies. It doesn’t have as much
movement as materials such as angel hair.
Polar
flash – one of my favorite materials. It has plenty of flash
and movement and is very durable. I have fished Clousers made with
just this material and been very successful.
There are
many more materials than I could ever count but I hope this gives just a good
run down on some of the main winging materials.
PS after
all this work and money on different materials I am now finding that the good
old buck tail still can't be beat and I am starting to get a higher hit rate on
them, although this can be just more confidence in them.
Stay
tuned for further articles on flytying materials
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