tinsel confusion....

[matt_b]

Hi folks,

a quick query.

I have just started tying salmon/sea trout flies, and need silver tinsel for the bodies.

I'm a bit bewildered by the range of tinsels available - what would people recommend? Nothing fancy - really just after 'bog standard' silver tinsel - it's just a little unclear to me which of the options this actually is!

Thanks!

[arkle]

For sheer durability, flat metal is unbeatable especially if ribbed with wire in the opposite direction.

[dartmoor navigator]

Veniards comes in small, medium, large and extra large flat tinsel. Silver or two sided with gold on reverse. - Medium tends to do an all round sort of job.

[fredaevans]

Many good answers to come, but just a toss in thought here. If your fly body is floss (actually darned near anything) of some sort, under wrap same with flat tinsel. With out, when wet, the colour(s) will go 'flat;' but not with an under wrap, fly will 'glow in the dark,' so to speak.

Personal experience here only ....
fae

[christy27]

They all seem much the same. The only thing different is the widths. Try and buy two different widths-narrow and medium are the most useful.

Freds tip above is worth knowing, could prove handy .

Chris.

[arkle]

By metal tinsel, I do mean METAL & not mylar or similar synthetic products. Veniard's is a trifle stronger than Lagartun, but not quite as "blingy".

If you do decide to use synthetic(s) then to get the most durability out of them, counter rib them & then coat with Diamondhard tack-free u.v. resin.

[roll cast]

The best mylar tinsel I have found is danvilles, its gold on one side and silver on the other, however as Arkle says the metal stuff is infinitely better, although I have a few spool someone gave me and their older and the tinsel does seem to have went off so prehaps the newer stuff is better

[flytire]

i would save the metal tinsel for the framed flies mounted on a wall or museum but for fishing flies go with the mylar

[ibm59]

I've largely given up on using flat tinsel , either metal or plastic , and use mini flatbraid in it's place.
Tough as old boots , doesn't need ribbing , and it won't sever your tying thread at a crucial moment.

[dartmoor navigator]

Originally Posted by ibm59

I've largely given up on using flat tinsel ..... and it won't sever your tying thread at a crucial moment.

I can give lessons but I charge by the hour (and the mile - before you take me up on it ) I expect you could find a useful guide on Youtube if you do a search.










Edited to add: I dont really charge or in fact tie particularly good flies - before someone reports me to the mods for not being a trade member