Moose Body Hair is considered a great choice for many applications in fly tying world. Moose body hair is a popular and versatile fly tying material used in for a variety of purposes.
Properties:
- Stiff and Hairy: Moose body hair is stiff and features a hollow core, making it buoyant and ideal for dry flies.
- Fine Texture: The hair has a fine taper from base to tip, allowing for realistic segmentation and a good dubbing substitute.
- Natural Sheen: Moose body hair has a natural sheen that can add a touch of iridescence to your flies, mimicking some aquatic insects.
- Durability: This material is surprisingly strong and durable, holding up well to wear and tear during fishing.
Recommendations for Use:
- Dry Fly Bodies: Moose body hair is a classic choice for dry fly bodies, particularly for larger flies like caddis pupae and emergers. Its stiffness helps create a realistic profile, while the hollow core adds buoyancy.
- Tails: The stiff barbs can be used to create segmented tails for nymphs and emergers, adding a touch of realism.
- Legs: Strands of moose body hair can be used to create segmented legs for some aquatic insects, especially larger mayflies and stoneflies.
- Wing Cases: Small pieces of moose body hair can be incorporated into wing cases for some dry fly patterns, adding texture and a subtle sheen.
- Dubbing Substitute: In a pinch, moose body hair can be used as a substitute for dubbing, particularly for dry flies where its buoyancy is an advantage. However, it won't create the same dense body as traditional dubbing materials.
Tips for Using Moose Body Hair:
- Select the right color: Moose body hair comes in natural brown, black, and gray shades, allowing you to match a variety of aquatic insects.
- Use sparingly: Due to its stiffness, a little goes a long way when using moose body hair.
- Secure it well: Since the hair is hollow, ensure you tie it down securely with thread to prevent it from slipping.
Overall:
Moose body hair is a valuable addition to any fly tying material collection. Its versatility, durability, and natural look make it suitable for creating a variety of effective flies. With a little practice, you can incorporate this material into your tying routine to add realism and functionality to your creations.
