Fly Tying | Synthetic Materials
Modern fishing problems require modern solutions; synthetic materials can push the boundaries of what a fly can do, and catch!
If you want to add some flash, Ultraviolet shine or just that unmistakable X-factor to your flies that synthetics allow, then we have the choice for you. We stock a range of Synthetic materials for winging, tails heads and any application you can think of from Fulling Mill and Semperfli.
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SYNTHETIC FLY TYING MATERIAL
Synthetics have revolutionized the world of fly tying, offering materials that are not only durable and versatile but also available in a wide range of colors, textures, and properties. Unlike natural materials, synthetics are manufactured, allowing for consistent quality and uniformity, which is often essential for replicating successful fly patterns. These materials have become indispensable for modern fly tyers, providing the ability to create flies that can withstand harsh conditions, maintain their shape, and offer unique visual and movement qualities that are difficult to achieve with naturals alone.
Some of the most popular synthetic materials include:
Flash Materials
Flashabou: Flashabou is a highly reflective, thin, and flexible material used to add a shimmering effect to flies. It is often incorporated into streamers, wet flies, and nymphs to imitate the natural flash of baitfish or the glint of insect wings. Flashabou comes in various colors, from metallic silvers and golds to vibrant, iridescent hues, making it a versatile addition to any fly pattern where added visibility and attraction are desired.
Krystal Flash: Similar to Flashabou, Krystal Flash is a reflective synthetic material but with a twisted, crinkled texture that gives it a slightly more rigid and dimensional appearance. This crinkling effect enhances the light-reflective properties, adding a realistic sparkle to flies. It’s commonly used in streamers, saltwater flies, and even some dry fly patterns to create the illusion of scales, wings, or other iridescent body parts that attract fish from a distance.
Chenilles
Standard Chenille: Chenille is a fluffy, cord-like material made from short fibers twisted around a central core. It is commonly used to create the bodies of flies, providing bulk, texture, and color. Chenille comes in various sizes, from fine to extra-large, allowing fly tyers to match the size of the material to the specific fly pattern. It is available in a wide range of colors, often with added flash or sparkle, making it ideal for tying everything from nymphs and streamers to larger bass and saltwater flies.
Ultra Chenille: Ultra Chenille, also known as Vernille, is a more tightly woven and durable version of standard chenille. It has a smoother, more uniform appearance and is often used for tying San Juan Worms and other worm patterns. Ultra Chenille is less prone to fraying and holds up well under repeated casting and strikes, making it a preferred choice for patterns that require a tough, resilient body material.
Foam
Foam Sheets: Foam is a buoyant, flexible material that is widely used in fly tying, particularly for creating dry flies, poppers, and terrestrials like hoppers and beetles. Foam sheets can be cut, folded, and shaped into various forms, providing flotation and structure to flies. Its buoyancy ensures that foam flies sit high on the water's surface, making them excellent for targeting surface-feeding fish. Foam also allows for creative fly designs, such as multi-colored bodies or complex shapes that mimic the profile of various insects.
Foam Cylinders: Foam cylinders are pre-formed tubes of foam used to create bodies, heads, and other components of buoyant flies. They are particularly useful for tying poppers and slider patterns, where the foam’s ability to push water creates a popping or splashing action that attracts fish. The cylinders can be easily trimmed and shaped to achieve the desired profile, making them a versatile option for various topwater fly designs.
Synthetic Hair Fiber
EP Fibers (Enrico Puglisi Fibers):
EP Fibers are a type of synthetic hair fiber known for their durability, translucency, and natural movement in the water. They are widely used in streamers, saltwater flies, and baitfish patterns to imitate the natural look and movement of fish and other aquatic creatures. EP Fibers can be tied densely or sparsely, depending on the desired profile, and their ability to hold shape while remaining flexible makes them ideal for crafting lifelike, flowing patterns.
Craft Fur: Craft Fur is a long, soft synthetic fiber that mimics the look and movement of natural fur. It is often used in streamers and larger flies where a full, flowing body is required. Craft Fur can be used as a substitute for natural fur, offering similar movement with the added benefits of durability and resistance to waterlogging. It’s available in a wide range of colours, making it easy to match or contrast with other materials in the fly pattern.
Synthetics provide fly tyers with an array of options that complement and, in some cases, surpass the capabilities of natural materials. Whether it’s the reflective brilliance of flash materials, the bulk and texture of chenilles, the buoyancy and versatility of foam, or the lifelike movement of synthetic hair fibers, these materials have expanded the creative possibilities in fly tying. Synthetics allow for the creation of flies that are not only durable and effective but also capable of imitating a wide range of prey species in various fishing conditions. As technology advances, the range and quality of synthetic materials continue to improve, ensuring they will remain a staple in the fly tying community.
NEED HELP CHOOSING FLY TYING MATERIALS? CONTACT US TODAYIf you would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.
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