Earlier this week I finally dropped a new tying video that highlights some new materials that I think are very noteworthy. In the video, I take the Headbanger Sculpin and show you some great material substitutions that refine and slightly alter an already great fly pattern. MFC is the clear front runner in cutting edge new materials this year, and the video highlights a handful that I think you all might want to consider. I have been tinkering with not only the materials, but the fly pattern as well and as expected it has been netting some great fish.
The first of two MFC products that I will highlight is their new Teardrop Streamer Beads. These beads solve a few habitual issues that standard round beads used in articulation connections cannot address. The Teardrop actually works in concert with the bend of the front hook aiding in cutting down on the number of times a fly will fowl throughout the day when fishing. I incorporated these beads into a batch of flies that we fished recently and they worked superbly. The flies tracked as they should when fished and the rear portion of the fly rarely fouled even on an errant cast. I have already begun swapping out all round beads moving forward with these new teardrop beads whenever applicable.
The second material is the most exciting and long overdue, and that is all of the new Matte Finish Satin Chenilles designed by Greg Senyo. Many of us diehard anglers have been waiting forever for a non-flash body filling material to hit the market and this one doesn't disappoint. Each package comes with 5 generous yards of material and is offered in two configurations; polar chenille and regular chenille and in multiple sizes. The Polar chenille comes in two sizes, medium and large, while the standard chenille comes in three sizes of 10,20, and 30 mm. The options are endless with this stuff as you can twist it with different colors and sizes of the same material as seen in todays video, or you can do the same with some of the standard more flashy cheniles to mix in some flash. As you can see it fills a massive void in the tying material market, and one that was long overdue.
The last material that I would like to highlight is one that I have been using since it's inception, and one that the owner included my insight on many of the colors offered as well. Letera’s Carnivore dubbing is a larger blended synthetic dubbing fiber that is roughly 4 inches in length and much coarser than any of the larger dubbings available. The material itself cards easily and maintains it’s shape very well when wet, but isn’t so rigid that it lacks movement.
Carnivore dubbing is recognized by most as a great material for finishing off heads on larger predator style flies, collars and wings as it can be affixed to the hook very much like it’s cousin Magnum dub or Senyo’s Laser Dub. One distinct attribute of the blends that Aaron has come up with is they are multi-colored, very much like many of the food forms that fish eat. The very minimal use of flash in the blend also gives any fly you tie with the material, just the right amount of pop. Another attribute of the material is it is rather easy to shorten or taper by hand. You can actually pull apart or tear the fibers to change the length if you are trying to build taper or utilize them in a smaller sized pattern. In todays video it is utilized as pec fins in the sculpin pattern very easily.
And lastly, if you enjoy the tying videos but don't tie for yourself, or prefer to purchase flies you can do so in my fly store. I recently added the Headbanger 2.0 to the store in seven colors and two sizes with more to come. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
Happy tying and have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend both on and off the water.
-RS-