Tube Fly Tying

Fly Tying: Tube Flies Overview

Tube flies represent a unique and innovative approach to fly tying and fishing. Unlike traditional flies that are tied directly onto a hook shank, tube flies are tied on a small tube that can be made from plastic, aluminum, brass and copper. The fishing line is then threaded through the tube with a hook attached to the end. This design offers various advantages and has become increasingly popular among fly anglers globally.

Origins of Tube Flies

Tube flies originated in Scandinavia and were initially used for salmon and sea trout fishing. The design was aimed at reducing the damage to fish, as the fly's body could slide away from the fish's mouth, leaving only the hook embedded. This made catch and release more effective and less harmful.

Advantages of Tube Flies

Tube flies have several benefits:

Versatility: The same tube fly body can be used with different hook sizes or styles, making it adaptable to various fish species and conditions.

Durability: When a fish is hooked, the tube can slide up the line, preventing the fish's teeth from fraying the line or damaging the fly's body.

Ethical Fishing: The design minimises harm to fish, especially during catch and release, as the hook can be easily and quickly removed.

Materials for Tube Fly Tying

Tube flies can be crafted from a variety of materials:

Plastic Tubes: Lightweight and available in various colors and sizes.

Aluminum Tubes: Heavier than plastic, making them ideal for sinking flies or fishing deeper waters.

Copper Tubes: Also used for weight and sinking purposes.

Components: Besides the tubes themselves, other essential components include extension tubing to secure the hook and various traditional fly tying materials to create the fly's body, wing, and tail.

Conclusion

Tube flies offer a versatile and effective approach to fly fishing, suitable for various species and conditions. Their design promotes ethical fishing practices, and their adaptability allows anglers to quickly switch between hooks or adjust weight as needed. Whether targeting salmon or trout, tube flies have found their place in the modern fly angler's arsenal.

Fly Tying Tube Flies for Salmon

Tube flies have been a popular choice among salmon anglers for several years. Unlike traditional flies that are tied on a hook shank, tube flies are tied on a tube, and a hook is then threaded or attached to the tube. This design offers several advantages, especially for salmon fishing.

What is a tube fly used for?

Tube flies are primarily used for several reasons:

• Durability: When a fish bites down on a fly, it can sometimes damage the hook shank or bend it out of shape, rendering the fly unusable. With tube flies, since the tube and the hook are separate components, even if the hook gets damaged, the fly body remains intact. Simply replace the hook, and you're good to go.
• Versatility: Anglers can easily switch out hooks of different sizes or types without changing the fly body. This is particularly beneficial when facing varying fishing conditions or when targeting different species.
• Improved Hooking: Many anglers believe that because the hook on a tube fly can move independently of the fly body, it provides better hooking and holding capabilities. This is especially useful when dealing with powerful fish like salmon that can often throw a hook during their acrobatic fights.

Do I need a special vice for tying tube flies?

No, you don't necessarily need a special vice to tie tube flies. However, there are vices available with specialized jaws or attachments that can hold tubes more securely. These make the tying process easier and more efficient. If you're using a regular fly tying vice, you can often get adapters or mandrels that hold the tube in place while you tie on it.

Is there a tube fly tying tool I can use?

Yes, there are several tools designed specifically for tying tube flies:

• Tube Fly Needles or Mandrels: These are long, slender tools that you slide the tube onto. They fit into your regular vice and hold the tube steady while you tie. They come in various diameters to fit different tube sizes.
• Tube Fly Vices: As mentioned earlier, some vices are designed or have attachments specifically for tube flies, providing a more stable platform for tying.
• Tube Cutting Tools: These are tools used to cut the tubes to the desired length. Some tubes, especially those made of harder materials, can be challenging to cut cleanly without a proper tool.
• Burnishing Tools: After cutting a tube, the edge can sometimes be rough or sharp. Burnishing tools are used to smooth out and round off these edges, ensuring that the line doesn't get damaged when the fly is fished.

In summary, tube flies offer a versatile and effective approach to salmon fishing. While there are specialized tools and vices that can aid in the process of tying tube flies, many of these are not strictly necessary and can be supplemented with adaptations to traditional fly tying equipment.