Fly tying materials assortment, hair and feathers
Paul George 
# **How to Choose Fly Tying Materials Assortment: Hair and Feathers**
Fly tying is an art that requires precision, creativity, and the right materials. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, selecting the right assortment of hair and feathers can significantly impact the effectiveness of your flies. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best materials for fly tying, ensuring your flies mimic natural prey and attract more fish.
## **Understanding the Basics of Fly Tying Materials**
Fly tying materials can be broadly categorized into **natural** and **synthetic** options. Natural materials, such as hair and feathers, are prized for their lifelike movement and texture. They are commonly sourced from animals like deer, elk, chickens, and ducks. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, offer durability and consistency but may lack the natural movement that fish find irresistible.
For this article, we’ll focus on **hair and feathers**, two of the most essential materials in fly tying.
## **Choosing the Right Hair for Fly Tying**
Hair is widely used in fly tying for creating wings, tails, and bodies. The most common types include:
### **1. Deer Hair**
– **Best for:** Floating flies (e.g., poppers, dry flies)
– **Characteristics:** Hollow, buoyant, and easy to stack
– **Varieties:** Bucktail (stiff, good for streamers), body hair (softer, for spinning)
### **2. Elk Hair**
– **Best for:** Caddis flies, stimulators
– **Characteristics:** Stiffer than deer hair, holds shape well
– **Advantage:** Excellent for creating buoyant wings
### **3. Moose Hair**
– **Best for:** Wings on small dry flies
– **Characteristics:** Fine, stiff fibers that flare well
### **4. Synthetic Hair (e.g., EP Fibers, Craft Fur)**
– **Best for:** Saltwater flies, streamers
– **Advantages:** Durable, vibrant colors, doesn’t absorb water
**Pro Tip:** When selecting hair, look for clean, straight fibers with minimal underfur. Dyed hair offers more color options, while natural hair provides a more realistic appearance.
## **Selecting the Best Feathers for Fly Tying**
Feathers are indispensable for creating wings, tails, and hackles. The most commonly used feathers include:
### **1. Rooster Hackle (Capes & Saddles)**
– **Best for:** Dry flies, nymph collars
– **Characteristics:** Stiff, durable fibers that support floating flies
– **Grades:** Genetic hackle (premium, long fibers), Indian/Chinese hackle (budget-friendly)
### **2. Hen Feathers**
– **Best for:** Soft hackle flies, wet flies
– **Characteristics:** Softer fibers that move naturally in water
### **3. Duck & Goose Quills**
– **Best for:** Wing cases, segmented bodies
– **Advantage:** Flexible, easy to wrap
### **4. Marabou**
– **Best for:** Streamers, woolly buggers
– **Characteristics:** Ultra-soft, pulsates in water
### **5. Peacock Herl**
– **Best for:** Nymph bodies, flashy accents
– **Characteristics:** Iridescent, adds lifelike shimmer
**Pro Tip:** High-quality feathers should have consistent barb length, minimal defects, and good flexibility. Dry fly hackle should be stiff, while wet fly hackle should be softer.
## **Building a Well-Rounded Assortment**
A good fly tying assortment should include a mix of:
– **Hair:** Deer, elk, and synthetic options
– **Feathers:** Rooster hackle, hen feathers, marabou, and peacock herl
– **Colors:** Natural tones (brown, olive, black) and bright attractors (orange, chartreuse)
**KyleBooker Pro Tip:** Start with a basic selection and expand as you specialize in certain fly patterns. Quality materials from trusted brands like **KyleBooker** ensure better durability and performance.
## **Final Thoughts**
Choosing the right fly tying materials is crucial for crafting effective flies. By understanding the properties of different hair and feathers, you can create flies that mimic natural prey and entice more strikes. Invest in high-quality materials, experiment with different textures, and refine your selection based on the fish species you target.
For premium fly tying materials, check out **KyleBooker’s** curated selection of hair and feathers—designed to help you tie the perfect fly every time!
Happy tying and tight lines! 🎣