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Renowned fly fishing guide Captain Gary Dubiel has developed an innovative method for catching giant fish on the fly.

While originally designed for redfish, the Pop-N-Fly has proved to be effective for numerous other saltwater and freshwater species, including speckled trout, false albacore, cobia, striped bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and more.

This concise 23-page full-color booklet provides valuable insight specifically designed to help anglers better fish Captain Gary Dubiel’s Pop-N-Fly for not only North Carolina’s trophy red drum (redfish) but for many other salt and freshwater game fish as well.

Learn tactics, tips, and fly patterns that have worked well for Captain Dubiel and adapt those techniques to your home waters and the species you pursue.

NEW Fish-Spine Tail Shank now available!

Tie animated baitfish patterns with ultra-lifelike action.

Co-designed with Blane Chocklett.

Blane Chocklett is one of the fly fishing industry’s most forward-thinking and innovative fly tyers. Essentially a tapered daisy-chain, the Fish-Spine is a series of specifically-designed articulated shanks that allow you to create multi-jointed, highly articulated streamers, such as the revolutionary Blane Chocklett Signature Fly Collection.

To tie your own Game Changer, simply combine the Fish-Spine with Chocklett's Body Wrap and ultra-realistic Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™.

If you enjoy tying Game Changer style flies but get frustrated with tying the tail section, the NEW Tail Shank is the solution you've been looking for.

The Tail Shank is the newest addition to the Fish-Skull Articulated Fish-Spine system and is designed to simplify and improve the tail tying process.

We've essentially modified the design of a Fish-Spine shank by removing the rear loop and replacing it with a tag, which is to be used as an easy way for you to place the Tail Shank in your fly tying vise.

Now, rather than having to try the difficult process of tying around the rear loop of a shank or modifying the shank by cutting part of it off, you can easily tie a neater tail with more taper using the Tail Shank.

Quantity per pack: Individual sizes and Tail Shank (24); Starter Pack (6 x 4 sizes = 24)

• Video
• Features
• How to use
• FAQs

• Ultra-lifelike movement
  This method of daisy-chaining a series of articulated shanks allows for a level of realism that was previously impossible.

  Highly customizable
  Flies of various sizes and styles can be created through different combinations of shank lengths, hooks and materials.
  
  Wrap it up
  Game Changers have never been so easy to tie since the release of Chocklett's Body Wrap.

  Stainless steel
  For use in saltwater streamers.

  The Articulated Shank Family 
  
  
• Potentially any dense synthetic material (we recommend Chocklett's Body Wrap) or natural feathers can be used, flies can be weighted or unweighted, and the hook can be in the front or the back.
  
  

  The concept is simple. A fly is tied in segments. Each segment is tied using one of the 3 or 4 articulated shanks or the hook. Typically, a fly is tied by starting first with the tail segment and once completed, more segments are added on one at a time until you finish at the front of the fly.

  To explain in a little more detail, each segment is created by tying the materials onto an articulated shank. Once a segment is tied, the articulated shank is removed from the vise and connected to the loop of the next size of articulated shank. In turn, this new shank is held in the vise and the materials in turn are tied onto that shank. This process continues until the segments of the fly (shanks and hooks) are all connected together. The fly is then trimmed to shape and any final features like eyes or body markings can be added to finish off the fly.

  Tying with the Articulated Fish Spine
  
  

• Q: What is a Fish-Spine comprised of?

  A: A Fish-Spine is comprised of four specially designed articulated shanks of various lengths i.e. 25mm, 20mm, 15mm and 10mm. These shanks are connected together to form a highly articulated, tapered fish spine.

  Q: What hook and shank configurations are possible?

  A: The Fish-Spine is highly customizable. Flies of varying sizes can be created by combining different hook sizes/lengths with different shank lengths. This gives you the flexibility to create different patterns to suit your local fishery. Experiment with different combinations of shank lengths, hooks and materials to create your ultimate “swim fly”! Typically, most Fish-Spine flies are tied with the hook in front of the fly, onto which is attached the body and tail section, comprised of either three or four shanks. An alternative is to place the shanks in front with the hook attached to the back of the fly.

  Q: What fly tying materials can be used for a Fish-Spine fly?

  A: A variety of synthetic or natural fly tying materials can be used. A tip to get maximum action out of the fly is to use materials that are dense enough to force the water to flow around the head of the fly versus through the material. When wrapping or tying in your materials, pack it as tightly as possible. The best synthetic material to use is undoubtedly Chocklett's Body Wrap (by Hareline Dubbin) which has been specifically made for tying with the Articulated Fish Spine. For tying smaller streamers use Frizzle Chenille (by Hareline Dubbin) which produces wonderful flies! For natural materials, any inexpensive hen feathers can be used to tie wonderful "feathered" Game Changer-style flies which are ultra-light and highly articulated!

Articulated streamers, simplified.

Designed by Martin Bawden.

This innovative, multipurpose material is a key component for tying different styles of articulated streamers, such as single-hook and double-hook articulated streamers, poppers, and sliders, as well as in streamers that use a free-swinging stinger hook, such as intruder-style salmon and steelhead flies.

Quantity per pack: 20

• Features
• How to use
• FAQs

• Quick and easy to tie
  Eliminates the need to sacrifice a hook to make a shank.

  Realistic movement
  Increases both tail action and overall fly length.

  Durability
  Reduces the leverage a hooked fish typically places on a fly.

  Stainless steel 
  For saltwater use.

  Limitless combinations
  Combine with the Baitfish Head, Fish-Mask, or Sculpin Helmet to create irresistible, realistic streamer patterns.

• 1. Tie materials onto the hook to create the tail of the fly.

  2. Fit the finished tail hook on the loop of the Articulated Shank.

  3. Put the Articulated Shank in the vise and use thread wraps to close off the loop.

  4. Continue adding body materials to the Articulated Shank and finish the fly in the normal way.
  
  Getting Started with the Articulated Shank

• Q: Does the Articulated Shank introduce new concepts in tying articulated streamers?

  A: Not really. For the most part it is intended as a fly tying material that can be used to simplify some of the established articulating methods commonly used today. Fly tiers can still tie the same types/styles of articulated streamers, but now the Articulated Shank makes this a little easier and quicker by eliminating some of the tying steps and improvised materials (such as sacrificing hooks to make a shank). In saying that, the simplicity of the Articulated Shank allows the fly tier to experiment and create new and innovative techniques to articulate flies. You are only limited by your imagination!

  Q: How would you describe the shank?

  A: Simple. It is essentially a hook-shank with a straight hook eye on one end and a vertical, over-sized loop on the other. It is made of 316 stainless spring steel so that it can also be used in saltwater. It is available in 3 lengths i.e. 20mm (3/4”), 35mm (1 3/8”) and 55mm (2 1/8”) to give fly tiers plenty of options.

  Q: How thick is the wire?

  A: The wire diameter of the Articulated Shank is roughly the same as a typical #4 or #2 streamer hook. It needs to be this diameter in order to fit through the eye of the hook you are articulating. So by default, the Articulated Shank is intended for streamers using hook sizes from about a #4 hook upwards. Experiment with your hooks as there is no industry standardization and hook eye sizes will vary between hook makes, models and sizes.

  Q: How strong is the wire?

  A: The strength is about the same as a #4 or #2 streamer hook. Like a long streamer hook, if you had to put enough direct pressure on it with your hands it would bend. However, one of the major advantages and beauty of an articulated fly is that it vastly reduces the amount of leverage that a hooked fish can place on the fly. This concept is not always widely understood or discussed, but is a key factor in landing bigger fish more often. The shank sits between the fly line/tippet and the articulated hook which moves independently from the shank. So no matter how hard a fish fights it becomes virtually impossible to exert any direct pressure on the shank. The shank essentially becomes just an extension of the straight line that connects an angler to the hook in the fishes mouth.

  Q: Why an over-sized vertical loop?

  A: A little more freedom of movement. In addition to side-to-side action, we also wanted to ensure there is plenty of room for up-and-down movement on the drop between strips. Typically the loop is completely covered with body materials right up to the articulation point and cannot be seen.

  Q: What is the difference between the Articulated Shank and Senyo’s Articulated Shank for Steelhead & Salmon flies?

  A: Both shanks work very well, but the main difference is the Articulated Shank is more of a general purpose shank with various fly tying applications, whereas Senyo’s Articulated Shank is specialized with features that modern steelhead and salmon fly tiers have been asking for.

Call big fish to the surface.

Co-developed with Capt. Gary Dubiel

Renowned fly fishing guide Captain Gary Dubiel has developed the perfect method for catching giant fish on the fly. The Pop-N-Fly is a lightweight foam cylinder with an embedded articulated shank, enabling it to be attached between your leader and tippet. The foam suspends your fly below the surface and when stripped it pops and splashes, causing a commotion on the surface which sounds like other fish feeding on bait, enticing the fish you're targeting to strike an easy meal. 

While originally designed for redfish, the Pop-N-Fly has proved to be effective for numerous other saltwater and freshwater species, including speckled trout, false albacore, cobia, striped bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and more.

Gary recommends using a streamer, such as the Fish-Skull® Masked Minnow™ or Crafty Deceiver™, with the Pop-N-Fly.

Quantity per pack: 2

To learn more, check out these articles written by Gary himself:
How to catch redfish on the fly with no visibility: The 3 fundamentals.
Inside look: The Pop-N-Fly with Captain Gary Dubiel.

• Video
• Features
• How to use
• FAQs

• Simple to cast
  The Pop-N-Fly is lightweight and aerodynamic, making it easy to cast with a fly rod (Small: 7-9 wt; Large: 9-12 wt.).
  
  Easy to see
  The bright orange (saltwater) and bright chartreuse (freshwater) stand out in the water.

• Attach your Pop-N-Fly between the leader and tippet. The tippet should typically be about 20 inches (51 cm) long to which your fly (a lightweight baitfish pattern) is attached. Cast out, then use short, hard strips to work your Pop-N-Fly and create attention-grabbing commotion. This technique draws predatory fish toward the surface where they see your fly suspended helplessly below for an easy meal. It's an invitation they can't refuse. 

• Q: Is the Pop-N-Fly a strike indicator? 

  A:  Not really.  It’s main purpose is a noise-making attractor that raises fish to the surface.  The suspended fly offers an easy meal, but when the Pop-N-Fly disappears you know you're hooked up.
   
  Q: How do you rig the Pop-N-Fly?
   
  A: Connect the Pop-N-Fly to a straight piece of leader material from your fly line.  Six to eight feet works great.  Tie leader material to the other end, typically 18 to 24 inches, then your favorite weighted fly pattern.
   
  Q:  Is the Pop-N-Fly just for redfish?
   
  A:  No.  In saltwater the Pop-N-Fly has been very successful on spotted seatrout, striped bass and redfish.  In also works very well in fresh water, particularly in lakes with shad populations.  Largemouth, spotted, striped and white bass and crappie have all been taken on the Pop-N-Fly.  Many species haven’t seen it yet, so give it a try.
   
  Q:  Where did the idea for the Pop-N-Fly come from?
   
  A:  The Pop-N-Fly was designed to emulate the action of a popping cork, a very popular conventional fishing rig originated in the Gulf states.  The rig proved to be deadly on suspending giant redfish in North Carolina’s Neuse River.  When introduced, the Pop-N-Fly proved to be just as deadly.
   
  Q:  Why use the Pop-N-Fly over a popper?
   
  A:  Often a fish that is attracted to surface noise will refuse a top water fly, rolling underneath it or turning away.  With the Pop-N-Fly, those fish that would have refused the popper eat the trailing sub-surface streamer resulting in more hook-ups.
   
  Q:  Is the Pop-N-Fly hard to cast?
   
  A:  The Pop-N-Fly, leader and trailing fly pattern are no more difficult to cast than a regular popping bug. The unique light weight design pushes through the air nicely.

   

   

Tie large, articulated streamers to catch river, lake, and sea monsters.

Co-developed with Blane Chocklett

Blane Chocklett is one of the fly fishing industry’s most forward-thinking and innovative fly tyers. His beefed-up version of the Articulated Shank is optimized for strength with heavy-gauge, stainless steel wire, and has extended length with oversized loops for bigger hooks.

Quantity per pack: 28 mm (20); 40 mm (16); 80 mm (12)

• Features
• How to use
• FAQs

• Oversized loops
  Give the eye of the fly enough room to use a heavy-duty bite tippet, and creates space for bigger hooks (6/0 or 7/0) to move freely on the back loop.

  Extended loop length
  Allows you to tie them down further along the shank, which adds strength to the loop and helps prevent bigger fish pulling out the loop during an extended fight.

  Stainless steel
  For use in saltwater streamers.
  
  Part of the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution
  Combine with 10 mm or 15 mm Living Eyes and #10 or #15 Fish-Masks for ultimate big game flies.
  
  Big Game Shank Comparison Chart

  The Articulated Shank Family 

• Typically most flies will be single hook flies on a single shank with the hook positioned towards the back of the fly.

  1. Put your hook in the vise and tie the tail section of the fly.

  2. Attach the shank and tie the body and head section of the fly. To do this, thread the hook (back section) onto the back loop of the shank.

  3. Put the shank in your vise held in place by the back loop. Attach your tying thread to the shank and lay a strong thread base along the entire length of the shank. In the process you will be closing the back loop with your thread. We suggest you use a strong Gel Spun or Kevlar thread and make the thread base as thick and strong as possible.

  4. Cover and seal the thread base with a layer of Super Glue, epoxy or Clear Cure Goo to add strength.
  
  Basic Tying Steps for Chocklett's Articulated Big Game Shank

• Q: What are the typical Big Game species that anglers are now targeting with fly rods?

  A: One of the most exciting developments in modern fly fishing is that our equipment (fly rods, reels, line, tippet and larger flies) now enable anglers to target almost any fish species previously considered nearly impossible to land with a fly rod. Even marlin and sailfish are now regularly being targeted and caught using fly rods!

  Generally in freshwater, the Big Game Shank will be used for tying large flies to target predator species such as musky, pike, peacock bass, golden dorado, tiger fish and larger lake trout.

  Generally in saltwater, the Big Game Shank will be used for tying large flies to target predator species such as barracuda, striped bass, roosterfish , or Spanish mackerel, and offshore species such tuna, sailfish, and mahi-mahi, just to name a few.

  Q: What size hooks can be used with the Big Game Shanks?

  A:  The Big Game Shank uses a heavier gauge (thickness/diameter) wire which means that the diameter of the hook eye needs to be slightly bigger in order to fit on the shank. The eye diameter will vary between different hooks, but generally most hooks from size #1 up to 7/0 will fit comfortably.

  Q: Why does the Big Game Shank have extended length, with oversized front and back loops?

  A:  We have extended the length of the wire loops as much as possible so they can be tied down further along the shank. This adds strength to the loop and helps prevents a bigger fish pulling out the loop during an extended fight. The Big Game Shank has larger, oversized loops so the eye of the fly has enough room to use a heavy-duty bite tippet. In addition, the larger loop creates space for bigger hooks (6/0 or 7/0) to move freely on the back loop.

  Q: Will the Big Game Shank fit the Fish-Skull Baitfish Heads?

  A:  Yes, the large Baitfish Heads can be used with the Big Game Shank.

  Q: Can multiple shanks be daisy-chained together to tie longer and more articulated flies?

  A:  Yes, this is an increasingly popular method of tying extra-large articulated streamers. The fly can be constructed in several different segments using a shank for each section.

Tie lighter & tougher flies.

NEW colors: Desert Camo, Olive, Tan, Red, and Purple
NEW size: 1/8" for smaller streamers

Co-developed with Blane Chocklett

Blane Chocklett is widely regarded as one of the best big game anglers, fly tyers, and guides in the world. Chocklett’s Body Tubing is the authentic “secret ingredient” used by Blane in everything from trout flies to musky flies for heads, to segment the bodies, and to keep the materials flared up, allowing them to push more water and have the illusion of bulk — the hollow fly effect — while being light and castable all day.

Check out the NEW Alphlexo Crab, tied with Chocklett's Body Tubing.

Length per pack: 1/8" x 3', 1/4” x 3', and 1/2” x 2'

• Video
• Features
• How to use

• Create a bigger fly body with less materials
  The more materials you use, the heavier your fly gets, making it harder to cast. Body Tubing creates a ramp for your material to lay against, which flares it out to create the illusion of bulk without using much material, keeping your fly light and easy to cast.
  
  Make your fly push more water
  The flared materials allow your fly to push more water, making it more likely to attract the attention of your target fish.
  
  Give your streamers longer lives
  Body Tubing is designed to be tied to protect thread wraps from the teeth of fish. In addition, as the body materials begin to flatten against the body from extended fishing, you can push the tubing forward against the tying materials to flare them back up.
  
  Alternative to reverse-tying for easier body tapering of flies
  Whether you're tying with deer hair or other fibers, Body Tubing provides a solution to time-consuming reverse-tying.    

  For use in fresh and saltwater streamer fly patterns of all sizes
  Body Tubing was made famous for its use in the T-Bone, a large musky fly, but it's a useful material for flies of all sizes. The 3-size range (1/8", 1/4", 1/2") is designed to provide an option for any size streamer fly pattern and to allow for tapering.  
  
  Part of the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution
  Combine with 10 mm or 15 mm Living Eyes, #10 or #15 Fish-Masks, and Big Game Shanks for ultimate big game flies.

• Our friend Gunnar Brammer of Brammer's Custom Flies put together this tutorial on how to tie with Body Tubing. 
  
  
  
  Tip from Blane:
  Because the 1/8" Body Tubing is so small, use as few thread wraps as possible to secure it. This allows you to fold it back over itself more easily and have more control over it, rather than being hindered by a larger mass of thread wraps.
  
  1. Slide a piece of Body Tubing over the shank onto the edge of your tying material.
  
  2. Tie in and leave thread in place.
  
  3. Fold the tubing completely over itself toward the tail.
  
  4. Adjust the open end of tubing to line up over the tied-in end. Tie off.
  
  5. Fold the now doubled-over tubing back toward the tail to create a dam.
  
  6. Begin the next segment directly in front of the dam to flare out the materials.

Tie realistic, anatomically correct crayfish patterns with ease.

Designed by Martin Bawden

These crayfish exoskeletons are made of nearly indestructible, ultra-light synthetic suede that cannot be bitten off, will not shrink, and provides lifelike texture and movement when wet. Each suede body is precision laser cut, making each 100% identical and allowing for fine detail.

Quantity per pack: 8 

• Video
• Features
• Specifications
• How to use
• FAQs

• Simple attaching method
  Allows you to quickly and easily tie effective crayfish imitations.

  Anatomically correct profile
  Acts as an important trigger for predatory gamefish.

  Lifelike movement and texture
  The synthetic suede claws have a realistic action in the water.

• Small
  Fits hook sizes #8, #6. 
  28mm (1.1”)

  Medium
  Fits hook sizes #4, #2.
  41mm (1.6”) 

  Large
  Fits hook sizes #2, #1.
  50mm (2.0”)
  
  X-Large
  Fits hook sizes #1, 2/0.
  58mm (2.3”)

  Crawbody Architecture Document

• Step 1

  

  Typically, the fly is tied in a hook upwards position. The fly is weighted using either a Sculpin Helmet (for the head), or alternatively a small dumbbell at either the front/back of the hook. Another easy option is to wrap the length of the hook or alternatively wrap lead wire around the hook shank.

  Step 2

  

  The size of the Crawbody should be as shown. The tail should extend slightly past the eye of the hook.

  Step 3

  

  Tie in the CrawBody at the tip using 2 or 3 loose thread wraps to hold the body in place.

  Step 4

  

  

  Twist the Crawbody 180 degrees to position it underneath the hook.

  Step 5

  

  Rotate your vise so that the hook point faces upward.

  Stretch the CrawBody down over the hook and make sure the tail is slightly past the eye of the hook. 

  Once you're happy with the positioning, secure the CrawBody in place with a few more tight thread-wraps.

  Step 6

  

  

  

  Apply super glue on the point of the CrawBody head. Fit the Sculpin Helmet and seat firmly in place. Make sure the CrawBody is straight and the tail extends slightly past the hook eye.

  Step 7

  

  

  Tie in your body materials.

  Step 8

  

  

  

  The next step is to tie down the CrawBody on top of the fly and, in the process, segment the body.

  You will create 4 tail segments as you wrap your thread towards the eye of the hook.

  Start by pulling the CrawBody tight and wrap the 1st segment using 3 or 4 strong thread wraps.

  Step 9

  

  Lift the tail of the CrawBody and make a single wrap forward. Your thread is now in position to start the second segment.

  Step 10

  

  Tie the second segment using 3 or 4 tight thread wraps.

  Step 11

  

  Repeat the process until all 4 segments have been tied.

  Lift the tail and tie off your thread.

  Step 12

  

  

  Add head cement to your thread tie-off point. This is a top view of the segmented body.

• Q: What happens when the suede material gets wet?

  A: Once in the river, the suede fabric absorbs water, gets a little darker and takes on a natural-looking leathery appearance. The suede becomes softer, resulting in much more action from the free-moving crayfish claws.

  Q: How do the bodies have so much detail?

  A: Each suede body is precision laser cut making each body 100% identical and with very fine detail (for example, see the detail on the claws of the small CrawBody which is only 1″ (2.5cm) long).

Tie weightless streamers that suspend in the water column.

Best of Show – Fly Tying Materials: 2013 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

Best Tying Material: 2014 Outdoor Canada New Fly Fishing Gear Awards

The Fish-Mask is a weightless, clear version of the Baitfish Head that provides a clean, simple, and effective alternative to creating heads with epoxies. A realistic baitfish profile and the ability to take on the color of body materials make it a versatile platform for tying a wide variety of weightless streamer patterns.

The 8 sizes in the Fish-Mask range are designed to be exactly fit the 8 sizes of Living Eyes (a #4 Fish-Mask uses 4mm Living Eyes, a #5 Fish-Mask uses 5mm Living Eyes, etc.).

Quantity per pack: #3 (12); #4, #5 (10); #6, #7, #8.5 (8); #10, #15 (6)

• Video
• Features
• Specifications
• How to use
• FAQs

• Realistic profile
  Designed to mimic the head, eyes, and gill plates of a baitfish, and to push more water than traditional flies.

  Front-fitting design
  Quick and easy to use. Simply tie in all materials first, then fit the Fish-Mask from the front.

  Recessed eye sockets
  Designed to securely position, hold, and protect the eyes. The sizes directly correspond with Fish-Skull Living Eyes, which act as an important trigger for predatory game fish. (Fish Mask #3 fits Living Eyes 3 mm., etc.).
  
  Add articulation
  Compatible with our entire articulated shank family: Articulated Shank, Articulated Fish-Spine, Chocklett's Big Game Shank, and Senyo's Articulated Shank for Steelhead and Salmon Flies.
  
  Part of the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution
  Combine with Chocklett's Articulated Big Game Shanks, Chocklett's Body Tubing,  and 10 mm or 15 mm Living Eyes for ultimate big game flies.
  
  Fish-Mask Size Chart
  
  

• #3
  Fits hook sizes #10, #8, #6, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank.

  #4
  Fits hook sizes #8, #6, #4, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank.

  #5
  Fits hook sizes #6, #4, #2, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank.

  #6
  Fits hook sizes #2, #1, 1/0, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank.

  #7
  Fits hook sizes #1, 1/0, 2/0, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank.

  #8.5
  Fits hook sizes 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, & Fish-Skull Articulated Shank.

  #10
  Fits hook sizes 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, & Fish-Skull Chocklett's Big Game Shank.

  #15
  Fits hook sizes 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, & Fish-Skull Chocklett's Big Game Shank.
  
  

  Fish Mask Specifications 

   

• After tying in all your materials, complete the fly by simply fitting the Fish-Mask from the front and finish off by tying a small thread dam between the skull and the hook eye.

  1. Tie the entire fly onto the hook (or articulated shank) leaving a small gap behind the eye of the hook

  2. Create a large thread head and tie off your materials.

  3. Add super glue (or Clear Cure Goo Hydro) to the thread wraps.

  4. Fit the Fish-Mask from the front of the fly and position it in place against the materials as desired. Note: If you use Clear Cure Goo, your UV light will shine right through the Fish-Mask and cure the goo within 8 to 10 seconds!

  5. Tie a small thread-dam in front of the head, tie off, and cement. The thread head locks the Fish-Mask firmly in place, making it impossible to come loose.
  
  Step-by-step instructions on how to tie flies with the Fish-Mask such as the Masked Bugger and Masked Minnow.

• Q: Does the Fish-Mask sink or float?

  A: The density of the material is slightly thicker than water, which means it will sink very slowly. This is perfect for creating weightless streamers that will suspend in the water column.

  Q: Can the Fish-Mask be colored?

  A: Yes, Fish-Masks can be colored using Copic marker pens.

  Q: Can the Fish-Mask be combined with a Fish-Skull Articulated Shank?

  A: Yes, the front-slot of the Fish-Mask is designed to fit our entire range of Fish-Skull articulated shanks: the Articulated Shank, Chocklett's Articulated Big Game Shank, the Articulated Fish-Spine, and Senyo's Articulated Shank for Steelhead & Salmon Flies.

  Q: What eyes can be used with the Fish-Mask?

  A: Each size of Fish-Mask is designed to correspond to the range of Living Eyes. However, almost any type of 3D or stick-on fish eyes may also be used. This flexibility enables fly tiers to use whatever color or style of fish eyes best suited for the fly pattern they are tying and opens up endless possibilities for creativity. Please note that the Living Eyes are sold separately.

  Q: What is the best way to secure the eyes in place?

  A: We highly recommend using Clear Cure Goo Hydro to seal the eyes in place. This completely covers and then seals the eyes in place deep inside the eye sockets to produce a realistic finish. The eyes will never come off! Simply place the Living Eyes in the eye socket, cover them completely with some Clear Cure Goo Hydro, and then hit it with the light for 8 – 10 seconds to cure. You will love the result. Another method is to use clear drying super glue in the base of the eye sockets and then stick the Living Eyes in place. Done correctly, this is a very quick and effective technique.

  Q: What is the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution?

  A: A predator size Fish-Mask (#10 or #15) + Living Eyes (10mm or 15mm) + Chocklett’s Articulated Big Game Shank = the key platform upon which large, big game flies can be built.

Design better flies.

Best of Show – Fly Tying Equipment: 2014 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show
Designed by Martin Bawden

The Fly Tester fills the key gap in the traditional process of developing a successful fly and is the essential tool to complete every fly tyer's table. This complete out of the box solution for testing and demonstrating fly patterns creates a steady, circular flow of water, allowing you to test up to three flies in two directions simultaneously.

Check out the article, Why is my baitfish pattern swimming wrong?, to see how the Fly Tester can help you quickly identify and fix the flaws in your fly patterns. 

• Video
• Features
• Specs
• How to use
• FAQs
• Warranty reg.

• Adjustable flow
  Tailor the water speed to simulate different fishing situations.

  Shortened development cycle
  Observe the action of your fly immediately after tying.

  Lower section
  Provides a focused, strong flow of water. Test streamer flies up to 1 ft. (30.5cm) long here.

  Middle section
  Provides a realistic current. Test subsurface flies such as nymphs and emergers here.

  Upper section
  Provides a slower, more dispersed flow of water. Test surface flies such as foam poppers, sliders, and dry flies here.

• Weight
  8 lbs. (3.6 kg.)

  Dimensions
  Height 12” (31 cm.) x Width 3.5” (9 cm.) x Length 24” (61 cm.)
  
  Volume
  3.5 gal. (13.25 L.)

• Click to view the full user guide.
  
  Tip: Check your pump by taking off the top cap each time you set up your Fly Tester because materials and tippet can clog the pump over time. Doing this and cleaning out any clogged materials will ensure your Fly Tester keeps running smoothly for years to come.
  
  Flies of various types, styles and sizes can be tested in a number of ways.

  The bottom section (the acrylic cylinder) is used primarily for testing streamer flies.

  1. Tie a length of tippet to the fly you wish to test.

  2. Position the fly inside the cylinder and hook the tippet onto the hook of the tippet guide.

  3. Turn the pump on.

  4. Adjust the length of tippet to position your fly near the center of the cylinder.

  5. Once you are happy with the position of the fly, use the tippet clamp to secure the end of the tippet in place.

  6. Adjust the speed of the water flow to simulate different environments.

  The top section can be used to test various types of floating surface flies such as foam poppers, sliders, bugs, and even dry flies.

  1. Position your fly in the water flow where desired and then secure the end of the tippet in the tippet clamp.

  2. Adjust the speed of the water flow to simulate different environments.

  The middle section can be used to test and observe various subsurface flies such as nymph, wet, or emerger patterns in the same way as the top section.

• Q: What types of flies can be tested?

  A: The Fly Tester is primarily for testing streamers; however, nymphs, emergers, and surface flies (poppers, sliders, foam bugs and even dry flies) can also be tested in the middle and upper sections.

  Q: How portable is it?

  A: Very! The Fly Tester is light (8 lbs) with a thin profile making it very easy to carry or transport. The height is 12” (31cm) x width 3.5” (9cm) x length 24”(61cm). It takes up a minimal amount of space on a fly tying table or fly shop counter.

  Q: How "retail ready” is it?

  A: The Fly Tester is packaged in an attractive, well-marked retail box, making it ready to be stocked and sold in the retail environment.

  Q: Is there a warranty?

  A: Yes, we offer a limited 1-year warranty on the pump and on the acrylic tank (leakage only: scratches, cracks and other damage due to owner abuse or mishandling not included).

An exceptional pattern designed to be fished in shallow water for a variety of saltwater species.

Designed by Mike Smith

• Tied with the award-winning Fish-Skull® Mini Sculpin Helmet™ to get the fly down fast and ensure that it will always swim in the hook-up position without snagging.
• Ultra-realistic Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™ act as an important trigger for predatory gamefish.
• Uses a #4 stainless steel hook.

Add frisky, fish-attracting tail action to any style of baitfish streamer or popper pattern.

Frantic Tails are made of nearly indestructible, ultra-light synthetic suede that cannot be bitten off, will not shrink, and provides lifelike texture and movement when wet. Each suede body is precision laser cut, making each 100% identical and allowing for fine detail.

Quantity per pack: Small, Medium (8); Large (6)

• Video
• Features
• Specifications
• How to use

• Quick and easy to tie
  Innovative attaching method is designed to give the fly maximum tail movement and help prevent fouling when casting.

  Lifelike movement and texture
  Instead of tying in the tail on one side of the hook like similar products, the Frantic Tail has a unique flap design that is used to create a hinge effect that positions the tail directly behind the hook shank in a balanced way. This hinge acts like a spring and generates movement from the tail with very little effort by the angler. In addition, the hinge provides a strong, stiff connection point for the tail which virtually eliminates any fouling.

  Anatomically correct profile
  Acts as an important trigger for predatory gamefish.

• Small
  Fits hook sizes #8, #6, #4. 

  Medium
  Fits hook sizes #4, #2, #1.

  Large
  Fits hook sizes #1, 1/0, 2/0.

• Step 1

  

  Attach the thread and cover the hook shank.

  Step 2

  

  Attaching the tail correctly is the most important part of tying a Frantic Tail fly. Tied correctly, the tail produces a lifelike movement in the water with minimum effort by the angler.

  This is the starting position. Position the bottom flap of the tail in line with the back of the hook, and keep the front tip of the tail level with the shank of the hook.

  Step 3

  

  Fold the top flap over the hook shank to the other side and tie in at the front.

  Step 4
  
  

  Tie the flap securely in place. Note that the tail is still in the correct starting position, i.e. the bottom flap is in line with the back of the hook.

  Step 5

  

  Fold the bottom flap up and tie in at the front. Notice that the flap is parallel with the shank of the hook.

  Step 6

  

  Hold the materials tightly together and wrap back steadily towards the tail. Tie all the material in tightly as shown and form a neat cone shape using multiple wraps.

  Step 7

  

  The thread must end in the position shown i.e. halfway between between the tip and the barb of the hook. Make sure the flaps on both sides are straight and in line with the hook shank.

  Step 8

  

  Glue each of the flaps. Put a small amount of super glue on the flaps and stick them down to the sides of the tail. Gently pinch and squeeze them together.

  

  Your Frantic Tail is finished! The flaps are now securely glued down on both sides of the tail. The flaps should be even on both sides and parallel with the hook shank.

Bring your flies to life with the most realistic 3D eyes on the market.

Designed by Martin Bawden

Designed with photo-realistic holographic technology and high-resolution images of real baitfish eyes, this comprehensive range of fly tying eyes includes colors and sizes designed to fit everything from smaller trout patterns to huge predator-style flies.

Quantity per pack: 3 mm - 7 mm (20); 8.5 mm - 10 mm (16); 15 mm (12)

• Features
• Specifications
• How to use
• FAQs

• An important trigger for predatory gamefish
  Enhance your streamers with this lifelike element.
  
  Perfect combinations
  Living Eyes are sized to directly correspond with Baitfish Heads, Fish-Masks, and Sculpin Helmets. 
  
  Part of the Flymen Big Game Fly Solution
  Combine with Chocklett's Articulated Big Game Shanks and #10 or #15 Fish-Masks for ultimate big game flies.
  
  

• 3 mm
  Fits Baitfish Heads (Small), Sculpin Helmets (Mini, Small), & Fish-Masks (#3).

  4 mm
  Fits Baitfish Heads (Small/Medium), Sculpin Helmets (Large), & Fish-Masks (#4).

  5 mm
  Fits Baitfish Heads (Medium), & Fish-Masks (#5).

  6 mm
  Fits Baitfish Heads (Large), & Fish-Masks (#6).

  7 mm
  Fits Fish-Masks (#7).

  8.5 mm
  Fits Fish-Masks (#8.5).

  10 mm
  Fits Fish-Masks (#10).

  15 mm
  Fits Fish-Masks (#15).

• Living Eyes have an adhesive backing, but we recommend that you use a Super Glue, epoxy or Clear Cure Goo to stick them securely onto your fly.

• Q: Can you tell us more about the Predator (15 mm) size?

  A: Keeping up with demand for big flies to chase musky, pike, large trout, and various saltwater species, we’ve created the new 15mm (5/8″) Predator eye. Finally, eyes proportionate to the size of larger flies designed to trigger an attack response from large, toothy, aggressive species such as golden dorado, peacock bass, tiger fish and barracuda.

  Q: Do they have a self adhesive backing like other 3D eyes on the market?

  A: Yes, but like other eyes we recommend that you use a Super Glue, epoxy or Clear Cure Goo to stick them securely onto your fly.

  Q: What is the best way to look at the Living Eyes?

  A: Go outside into the natural light and you will get a true appreciation of what the eyes will look like under normal fishing conditions. Indoors under artificial light, the holographic material we use in the eyes unfortunately tends to reflect light in multiple directions which sometimes makes it hard to clearly see the Living Eyes’ fine detail and wonderful colors.

  Q: Are the Living Eyes hard or soft to the touch?

  A: They are fairly rigid in order to hold their shape, but under some pressure they are flexible and feel slightly soft. Just like real eyes!

  Q: Do you have any tying tips or tricks for sticking the 6 mm eyes onto the large Baitfish Heads?

  A: We made the 6 mm Living Eyes exactly the same size as the eye socket of the large Baitfish Heads, and as a result they are a very tight fit. We recommend you put a small spot of Super Glue in the eye socket and position the eye in place as normal. Then, wait a minute of two, place a cloth over the Fish-Skull and then squeeze hard with both eyes between your thumb and forefinger. This squeezing together pops the eyes into place in the socket and you are good to go! Alternatively, just use a 5 mm Living Eye, which is slightly smaller.

This weightless streamer works well in warm-water rivers and saltwater environments.

Best of Show – Saltwater Fly Pattern:  2013 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show
Designed by Martin Bawden

• Tied with the award-winning Fish-Skull® Fish-Mask™.
• Ultra-realistic Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™ act as an important trigger for predatory gamefish.
• Suspends in the water column.
• Uses a stainless steel hook.

A tempting crawfish, hellgrammite or sculpin imitation that proves irresistible to bass and other lake or river species.

Designed by Mike Smith 

• Tied with the award-winning Fish-Skull® Baitfish Head™.
• Ultra-realistic Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™ act as an important trigger for predatory gamefish.
• Tied hook-up for gliding along the bottom where “creatures” typically lurk.
• Uses a # 1 bronze hook.

The perfect fly for bonefish, redfish, and other species you'll find on the flats.

Designed by Mike Smith

• Tied with the award-winning Fish-Skull® Baitfish Head™.
• Ultra-realistic Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™ act as an important trigger for predatory gamefish.
• Weighted keel ensures the fly will always swim in the hook-up position and not snag.
• Uses a # 4 stainless steel hook with weed guard.