Tube fly materials

[Brit in a Bothy]

Hi, I have started tying tube flies for salmon - problem is I am channelled into using only certain lengths / types by the manufacturers and if I only have a particular length in copper (say) and want a shorter length I have a problem.

I recon I can get small bore copper / brass and aluminium tube from model shops but what what about plastic tube ??? I notice on tying videos that lots of guys are using very thin plastic tube, cutting it the size they want, adding collars with heat, etc, etc.

Any ideas on materials ?

Nigel

[FunkyFlyTying]

Pm on its way.

[MARAZION MIDGE]

Some of the straws on the small drinks cartons are smallish and stiff (bit like my d!ck) and they make good tubes.
Good luck with them mate or you could go down the snake route.
Mike

[ACW]

Originally Posted by Brit in a Bothy

Hi, I have started tying tube flies for salmon - problem is I am channelled into using only certain lengths / types by the manufacturers and if I only have a particular length in copper (say) and want a shorter length I have a problem.

I recon I can get small bore copper / brass and aluminium tube from model shops but what what about plastic tube ??? I notice on tying videos that lots of guys are using very thin plastic tube, cutting it the size they want, adding collars with heat, etc, etc.

Any ideas on materials ?

Nigel

Liner tube Douglas at fly makers springs to mind !
The tube that comes with WD40 is very good for wee tubes !

[stealth_fox]

Nice one andy just what I have been looking for

[ACW]

Originally Posted by stealth_fox

Nice one andy just what I have been looking for

Dougie or the WD ????

[stealth_fox]

Dougie at Flymakers, nice one

the smallest wd40 tins still have the big red tube on them

[Bri]

I sometimes cut the ends off cotton buds and use the plastic tube. Weight can be added with sticky lead foil.

[weight_forward]

For fine stainless steel tube try Coopers Needle works (you might have to buy quite a bit)
For plastic tube to line them with try an E-bay search for Portex polythene tube.

[ACW]

Originally Posted by weight_forward

For fine stainless steel tube try Coopers Needle works (you might have to buy quite a bit)
For plastic tube to line them with try an E-bay search for Portex polythene tube.

The best for the ham handed like me are the superb needle tubes from john Gray ,of Grays of Kilsyth ,they are very nice for sparse slim ethereal tubes.that get down a wee bit ,taken over from waddys for me !