Fly tying creates artificial flies for use in fly fishing. Various materials are used to tie flies, including fur, hair, feathers, synthetic fibres, tinsels, and thread.
The main purpose of fly tying is to create a lure, or fly, that imitates the natural food source of the fish species being targeted. For example, a fly designed to imitate a mayfly nymph will be tied differently than a fly designed to imitate a grasshopper or baitfish.
Fly tying can be very rewarding, allowing the angler to create custom lures. It can also be a great way to save money, as flies can be tied for a fraction of the purchase price.
What Kind of Fur Is Used for Fly Tying?
When it comes to fly tying, there are a variety of different furs that can be used to create different effects. Each type of fur has unique properties that can make it ideal for certain patterns and techniques. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular furs used for fly tying and discuss what makes them so special.
One of the most popular furs used for fly tying is rabbit fur. Rabbit fur is prized for its softness and ability to create a lifelike appearance when used in streamers and nymph patterns. Rabbit fur is also easy to work with and can be dyed to create a wide range of colours.
Rabbit fur is used extensively to create beautiful natural dubbing, or blended with synthetic fibres to create stunning dubbing variations. The fur is taken from various parts of the pelt. Hares ear, for example, is one of the most popular parts as the hairs have great variation in colour with lots of movement.
The benefit of good Hare’s Ear dubbing is that it is soft but spiky to the touch. It has underfur that flutters and undulates in the water, with thicker pieces that are still thin enough to wave and pulse in both flowing and still water.
Rabbit pelt is also cut into strips called zonker that are used to create lifelike movement in bait fish patterns, nymphs, and even salmon flies.
Another popular type of fur used for fly tying is squirrel fur. Squirrel fur is prized for its fine texture and ability to create a wide range of colours. Squirrel fur is also easy to work with and can be used to create a variety of different patterns. Again, it is sold in 'zonker' strips like rabbit.
Pheasant feathers are also popular for fly tying. Pheasant feathers are prized for their strength and their distinctive colours. Pheasant feathers can be used to create a variety of different patterns, including streamers, nymphs, dry flies, and salmon and seatrout patterns.
Finally, we have deer hair. Deer hair is prized for its strength and its ability to float. Deer hair is often used to create streamers, nymphs and wet flies. Deer hair can also be used to create a variety of different dry flies.
So, what kind of fur is used for fly tying? There are a variety of different furs that can be used, each with its unique properties. The type of fur that you use will depend on the pattern you are tying and the desired effect.
What Are the Different Techniques Used in Fly Tying with Fur?
Many different techniques can be used when fly tying with fur. Some of the more popular methods include the following:
The Clipped Stack Method: This is a popular method for tying flies that use clipped fur. The fur is clipped into a stack and then tied onto the hook. This results in a fly with a lot of movement and action in the water.
The Dubbing Loop Method: This is a common method for tying flies with fur. The dubbing loop is used to spin the fur around the hook. This results in a very compact fly with a lot of movement.
The Spiral Wrap Method: This is a method that is used to tie flies with fur that is spiralled around the hook. This results in a fly with a lot of movement and action in the water.
The Wet Fly Swing Method: This method ties flies with fur swung in the water. This results in a fly with a lot of movement and action in the water.
How Long Should the Fur That I Use Be?
The length of the fur you use will depend on the type of fly you are tying. For example, if you are tying a dry fly, you will want to use relatively short fur (1/8” to 1/4”). If you are tying a nymph or streamer, you will want to use relatively long fur (1/2” to 1”).
What Kind of Factors Should I Consider When Choosing Fur?
The type of fur you use will be determined by the type of fly you are tying. The following are some factors you should consider when choosing fur:
Colour: The colour of the fur you use will be determined by the type of fly you are tying. For example, if you are tying a dry fly, you will want to use light-coloured fur. If you are tying a nymph or streamer, you will want to use dark-coloured fur.
Texture: The texture of the fur you use will be determined by the type of fly you are tying. For example, if you are tying a dry fly, you will want to use soft and fluffy fur. If you are tying a nymph or streamer, you will want to use coarse and stiff fur.
Length: The length of the fur you use will be determined by the type of fly you are tying. For example, if you are tying a dry fly, you will want to use relatively short fur. If you are tying a nymph or streamer, you will want to use relatively long fur.
Can I Use Craft Fur for Fly Tying?
If you're a fly fisherman, you know that many different materials can be used to tie your flies. One of those materials is craft fur. But can you use craft fur for fly tying?
The answer is yes! Craft fur is a great material to use for fly tying. It's easy to work with, and it's very versatile. You can use it to tie various flies, from streamers to nymphs. It is also used to create wonderful bait fish patterns for freshwater predators like pike, perch and zander, and saltwater species like seatrout, bass, pollack, giant trevally, etc.
There are a few things to remember when using craft fur for fly tying. First, make sure that you choose the right fur. There are many different types of craft fur out there, and not all are suitable for fly tying. Second, take care when cutting the fur. You don't want to cut it too short, or you'll end up with a fly that doesn't look right. Finally, ensure that you seal the edges of the fur, so it doesn't fray.
How Long Should the Fur That I Use Be?
There is a lot of debate among fly tiers about the ideal length for fly tying fur. While there is no definitive answer, there are a few things to consider that will help you make the best decision for your flies.
One of the most important factors is the size of the fly you're tying. You'll want to use shorter pieces of fur for smaller flies, while for larger flies, you can use longer pieces. Another thing to remember is the type of water you'll be fishing in. If you're fishing in fast-moving water, you'll want to use shorter pieces of fur, so your fly doesn't get caught on anything.
Generally, it's a good idea to start with shorter pieces of fur and experiment until you find the best length. There's no wrong answer, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find what you like.
Best Tips for Fly Tying Using Fur
Are you looking for tips on tying flies using fur? If so, you've come to the right place. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your fur when tying flies.
1. Select the Right Fur for the Job
Not all fur is created equal. When choosing a fur for your flies, selecting the right type of fur for the job is important. For example, if you're tying a streamer fly, you'll want to choose a dense fur with a lot of movement. On the other hand, if you're tying a dry fly, you'll want to choose a less dense fur with less movement and weight.
2. Prepare Your Fur Properly
Before using fur for fly tying, you must prepare it properly. The best way to do this is to use a fur comb. A fur comb will help remove unwanted debris from the fur and help align the fibres.
3. Use the Right Tools
When it comes to fly tying, you need to use the right tools for the job. This means using a sharp pair of scissors and a sharp knife. Using dull tools will make it difficult to get a clean cut and can also damage the fur.
4. Be Careful Not to Over-Do It
One of the most common mistakes people make when fly tying is handling the fur too much. When you handle the fur too much, it can cause the fibres to become matted and tangled. This will make it difficult to use the fur later on.
5. Apply a Little Pressure
When applying fur to your fly, applying a little pressure is important. This will help to compact the fur and prevent it from coming loose.
6. Be Patient
Take your time with the process. Working with fur can be time-consuming, but it's important to take your time and do it right. Rushing the process will only result in a poor-quality fly.
7. Keep It Clean
Once you're finished tying with fur, cleaning up any stray pieces that may be left behind is important. A quick blast with a hair dryer will help remove unwanted fur from your work area.
What to Avoid When Fly Tying with Fur?
When it comes to fly tying, there are a few things you should avoid doing with fur. Here are the four most common mistakes:
1. Not Prepping the Fur Properly
Before tying with fur, it's important to prep it properly. This means gently combing out any knots or tangles and trimming away any excess guard hairs. If you do this, the fur will be easier to work with, and your flies will look smooth.
2. Using Too Much Fur
Another common mistake is using too much fur. This will make your flies look bulky and harder to cast. When using fur, less is more.
3. Not Paying Attention to the Direction of the Fur
When tying with fur, it's important to pay attention to the direction of the fur. This will ensure that your flies look clean and professional.
4. Not Using the Right Size Hook
Finally, ensure you use the right size hook for your fur. The fur will be difficult to work with if the hook is too small. If the hook is too large, your fly will look disproportionate.
What Are the Benefits of Fly Tying with Fur?
While it may seem like a lot of extra work, fly tying with fur has its advantages.
1. It's Durable
One of the best things about tying with fur is that it's super durable. This means that it can withstand repeated hits from fish and won't tear easily.
2. It's Realistic
Fur is also a very realistic material, which is important for tying flies. The more realistic your fly looks, the more likely a fish will take a bite.
3. It's Versatile
Fur is also versatile. You can use it for a variety of different fly patterns, and it comes in a variety of different colours.
4. It's Inexpensive
Finally, fur is a very inexpensive material. This is important because it means you can tie a lot of flies without spending much money.
How Do I Store My Fur Flies?
You can store your fur flies in a fly box. Make sure you store them in a cool, dry place. If you're storing your fur flies for a long time, you may want to freeze them. This will help to preserve the fur.
What Are Some Alternatives to Fur?
You can use synthetic materials if you don't want to use fur. Many synthetic materials look and feel like fur. You can also use feathers. Feathers are a great alternative to fur because they're easy to work with and versatile.
Conclusion
Fly tying with fur is a great way to add realism to your flies and can help you catch more fish. Many different types of fur are available, so you can experiment to find the best one for your needs. When tying with fur, it's important to use a sharp knife and take time to avoid ruining the material. With a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful and effective flies that will help you land a big one.
If you need fly tying materials, you can get some from us at Finesse Fly Tying. We are a one-stop shop carrying various materials from different brands. Like you, we are passionate about fly tying, and not only do we sell materials, but we also offer resources and advice for your fly tying needs. Check out our items at Finesse Fly Tying today.