Fly Fishing Floatants & Sinkants

Fly floatants and sinkants are essential solutions for fly anglers to control the buoyancy and sinking properties of their flies and tippet. They play a crucial role in adapting to different fishing conditions and effectively presenting flies at desired depths.

Fly floatants are silicone substances applied to dry flies to prevent them from becoming waterlogged and sinking. They help the fly float high on the water's surface, mimicking natural insects and increasing their visibility to both anglers and fish. Floatants typically come in the form of powders, pastes or liquids. Powder floatants are applied by dusting or shaking the fly in the powder, while paste or liquid floatants are applied directly to the fly using a brush or by dipping the fly into the product. These floatants create a thin, water-repellent coating on the fly, allowing it to ride high on the surface and remain visible.

Sinkants, on the other hand, are used to counteract the natural buoyancy of flies or tippet and cause them to sink. Sinkants are particularly useful for allowing your tippet to cat through the water surface film. Tippet submerged causes less disturbance on the waters surface, therefore less intrusive to the fish environment. They are typically available in liquid or paste form and are applied to the fly or tippet. Sinkants alter the surface tension of the fly or tippet, causing it to break through the water's surface and sink to desired depths.

When using floatants or sinkants, it is important to consider the specific type of fly you are using and the fishing conditions you'll encounter. Dry flies, for example, benefit from floatants to maintain their buoyancy and visibility. However, some materials used in fly tying can be naturally buoyant and may require further application of floatant. Natural materials like feathers or fur may absorb water over time, necessitating the use of additional floatant.

It's worth noting that some fly floatants or sinkants are designed to be environmentally friendly, minimising their impact on water quality and aquatic life. Consider choosing products that are biodegradable or made from non-toxic materials to ensure responsible fly fishing practices.

In conclusion, fly floatants and sinkants are valuable products for manipulating the buoyancy and sinking properties of flies and tippet. Floatants keep dry flies afloat and visible, while sinkants help sink your flies or tippet. Choose the appropriate floatant or sinkant based on the type of fly and fishing conditions and consider environmentally friendly options for responsible fly fishing.