Synthetic fly tying materials can be a great way to add an extra dimension to your fly patterns. We stock a wide range of modern synthetic fibres and materials allowing you to add movement or flash to your patterns and hopefully catch a few more fish! Our range includes various materials such as flash, chenille, fritz and many more which can be used in wings, bodies, tails or as heads on multiple fly patterns.
Synthetic hairs, such as craft fur, are incredibly popular for tying a range of flies, from baitfish patterns to small wet flies or nymphs. Synthetic hairs and furs are popular as they offer a uniform hair that are all the same length and thickness and don't have any awkward underfur to remove that you often find in natural materials.
Synthetic Fly Tying Materials
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145 Items
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145 Items
Overview of synthetic materials for fly tying
Synthetic materials have carved a notable niche within the fly tying world, offering durability, versatility and a plethora of colours and textures. From achieving particular aesthetic effects to enhancing the functionality of flies, synthetics serve a myriad of purposes in contemporary fly tying.
What are synthetic materials used for in fly tying?
Synthetic materials are utilised across numerous applications in fly tying:
- Bodies: Creating streamlined or bulky bodies with materials such as synthetic dubbing and tubing.
- Wings and Wing Cases: Using sheets or strands to form wings and wing cases.
- Flash and Attractors: Adding vibrancy and reflectiveness to patterns to grab a fish’s attention.
- Tails and Legs: Formulating various appendages of insects and other prey imitations.
Highly Regarded Synthetic Materials:
A multitude of synthetic materials are recognised for their utility and effectiveness in fly tying:
- Flashabou: A reflective filament that adds sparkle and can be used for wings, bodies, and tails.
- EP Fibers: Short for Enrico Puglisi fibers, praised for their buoyancy and ability to emulate baitfish profiles.
- Synthetic quills: A synthetic material prized for its translucency and ability to look great with robust properties.
- Foam Sheets: Employed for crafting terrestrial bodies, poppers, and providing buoyancy to patterns.
- Antron Yarn: A multifaceted material that can be utilised in wings, tails, and bodies, noted for its subtle sheen.
- Krystal Flash: A twisted, iridescent material that is effective at catching light and adding sparkle to a variety of patterns.
Selecting Synthetic Materials:
Several considerations should guide the selection of synthetic materials for fly tying:
- Target Species: Select materials that are apt for the species you’re targeting, considering their feeding habits and the local forage.
- Fly Type: Ensure the materials align with the type and purpose of the fly you're tying.
- Water Conditions: Consider the clarity, light level, and general conditions of the waters you’ll be fishing.
- Material Properties: Take into account the physical properties of the material, such as durability, buoyancy, and texture.
Optimising the Use of Synthetic Materials:
To maximise the benefits of using synthetic materials in your fly tying:
- Ensure that materials are attached securely to prevent slippage or dislodging during fishing.
- Blend different materials to achieve varied textures and optical effects in your patterns.
- Consider utilising synthetics in conjunction with natural materials to harness the benefits of both.
In summary, synthetic materials have broadened the horizons of fly tying, offering unique properties, and capabilities that are otherwise difficult to achieve with natural materials. From crafting resilient, high-visibility patterns to emulating the subtle, nuanced details of various prey items, synthetics afford fly tyers with a diverse toolkit to navigate the challenges of various fishing scenarios.