I tie all my tube flies on Q-Tips, just be sure to get the plastic ones,
not the cardboard type. You will also need some soft plastic tubing to
make the short (three-eights-inch) "hook-holder" at the rear of the
tube. I get the tubing from a hobby store as it is frequently used for
fuel lines in model airplanes. As Gary stated, metal tubes should be
lined and so must usually be purchased individually. This reduces the
length flexibility gained by using plastic. As one of the major benefits
of tubes is being able to tie a long fly without the weight or cost
penalty of large hooks, I don't add weight to my tubes, preferring
instead to use a variety of sinking leaders or sink-tip lines to get the
fly down. I like the new Mustad Signature C70S D in size 6, but the key
for large active species like salmon or steelhead is simply to find a
heavy-wire, standard or 1X short, straight-eye hook with a good bite, so
sizes 4 & 6 are usually best. Cheers,
Paul
--
Paul Marriner
Outdoor Writing & Photography. Member OWAA & OWC. Author of Atlantic
Salmon, Ausable River Journal, Miramichi River Journal, and Modern
Atlantic Salmon Flies.
