Fish-Skull® streamer tying materials

Tie realistic, weighted shrimp and crayfish flies.

Designed by Martin Bawden

The Shrimp & Cray Tail™ is a stainless-steel weight molded in the shape of crustacean tails.

Quick and easy to tie, the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ is a simple alternative to bead chain eyes and dumbbells – two general-purpose fly tying materials which add the needed weight to shrimp and crayfish flies, but require ungainly tying methods and lack the distinctive tail profile of these creatures.

Target both saltwater and freshwater fish, from bonefish, permit, stripers, speckled trout, and redfish, to carp, smallmouth bass, and other warm-water species.

To learn more, read this article by Martin Bawden:
Inside look: Designing the Fish-Skull Shrimp & Cray Tail.

Quantity per pack: Small, Medium (20); Large (15)

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

• Quick and easy to tie
  No more figure-8 wraps and no more twisting. Simply tie in the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ directly in line with the hook shank and slightly behind the hook eye, then tie in the rest of your materials.
  
  Realistic look and shape
  Your completed fly will have a better finish and more realistic profile because the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ is molded after the true shape of crustacean tails.
  
  Ensure your fly tracks correctly
  The Shrimp & Cray Tail™ acts as a weighted keel by distributing most of the tail’s weight to the bottom of the fly (like a bead chain or dumbbell), ensuring it will swim in the correct position. This also allows you to tie with the hook facing either down or up.
  
  Stable base
  The shape of the tail acts almost as a tripod to provide a stable base for your fly to stand upon, which means (unlike bead chain eyes) your fly is less likely to fall on its side while laying motionless on the sand waiting to be stripped.
  
  Trigger the strike
  The initial strip of the fly can produce the telltale "puff" of sand or silt, similar to that of an escaping shrimp or crayfish bursting out of cover, to catch the attention of the fish you're targeting.
  
  Stainless steel
  Gives your fly the same weight you would expect from a bead chain or small dumbbell, allowing a predictable sink rate.

• Small
  Fits hook sizes #8 and #6.
  Has the same weight and width as a small bead chain.
  
  Medium
  Fits hook sizes #4 and #2.
  Has the same weight and width as a large bead chain.
  
  Large
  Fits hook sizes #2, #1, and larger.
  Has approximately the same weight as most small dumbbells. 

• The Shrimp & Cray Tail™ is quick and easy to tie with.
  
  You'll tie your favorite shrimp or crayfish fly in the same way as you would with a bead chain eye or dumbbell, except with a Shrimp & Cray Tail™ instead.
  
  Step 1
  
  
  

  Start your tying thread and wrap a thread base.
  
  Step 2
  
  
  
  Hold the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ in position underneath the hook shank, ensuring that the rear of the tail doesn't extend past the eye of the hook.
  
  Step 3
  
  
  
  Tie in place using strong, even thread wraps.
  
  Step 4
  
  
  
  Continue tying the remainder of the fly in the normal way.

• Q: How does the weight and size of the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ compare to bead chains and dumbbells?
  
  A: The SMALL size has the same weight and width as a SMALL size bead chain.
  
  The MEDIUM size has the same weight and width as a LARGE size bead chain.
  
  The LARGE size is the approximate equivalent weight of most SMALL size dumbbells.

  This means that you can expect an equivalent and predictable sink rate when tying your favorite patterns.
  
  

  Q: Can the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ be used to tie hook up and hook down flies?

  A: Yes. The SCT acts as a keel helping to orientate your fly correctly in either position.

  
  Q: Which existing fly patterns can be tied using the Shrimp & Cray Tail™?

  A: The Shrimp & Cray Tail™ can be used to tie virtually any shrimp or crayfish pattern that uses a bead chain or dumbbell. It is a simple material substitute that does not necessitate you to change the basic way the fly pattern is tied or constructed. Take your current patterns to the next level or create some new ones!

  
  

  Q: Which size hooks should I use?
  
  A: Hook sizes will always vary depending on which types of patterns you are tying and the hook models, however for typical bonefish flies (example: a Gotcha tied on a standard saltwater hook) we have found the following works well:
  
  SMALL size for #8 & #6 hooks.
  
  MEDIUM size for #4 & #2 hooks.
  
  LARGE size for #2, #1 and larger hooks.
  
  
  Q: What is the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ made of?

  A: The Shrimp & Cray Tail™ is made of high quality stainless steel which means it's strong, corrosion resistant and suitable for saltwater use.
  
  

  Q: In what position of the hook shank should the tail be tied on?

  A: Tie underneath the shank of the hook toward the eye, but make sure the Shrimp & Cray Tail™ does not extend past the eye of the hook because it will not keel correctly.
  
  
  Q: Is the product patented?

  A: Yes, there is currently a Patent Pending status.

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 (1 x orange and 1 x chartreuse)

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
  Each pack includes one bright orange and one bright chartreuse Pop-N-Fly, which stands 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 lighter & tougher flies.

NEW colors: red & 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.

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.

The ultimate heavyweight head for deep-swimming, hook-up streamers.

Best of Show – Fly Tying Materials: 2011 International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

Tie heavyweight streamers with realistic, flat and broad profiles; the perfect imitation for common bottom-dwelling fish species such as sculpins, gobies and baby catfish. Designed for use on both hook and tube streamers, the Sculpin Helmet has a weighted keel to keep your streamer swimming hook-up and avoid snagging.

Quantity per pack: 8

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

• Realistic profile
  Flat and broad profile that imitates common bottom-dwelling fish species such as sculpins, gobies and baby catfish.

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

  Front slot
  Allows for use on both hook and tube flies.

  Fish-Skull® Living Eyes™
  Included in a corresponding size and color, these ultra-realistic eyes act as an important trigger for predatory game fish.

  Heavyweight Keel
  Distributes most of the helmet’s weight to the bottom of the streamer, ensuring it will swim in the correct position. This also allows you to tie with the hook facing either down or up. We have deliberately made the Sculpin Helmet significantly heavier than the Baitfish Head so that it will sink quickly in fast moving rivers and fish deeper near the bottom where sculpins typically live.

  Colors
  Available in brown, black and olive, plus silver in the Mini size. The matte (non-shiny) finish is perfect for the type of shy, bottom-dwelling species you are trying to imitate. The special oxide coating gives an uneven, almost blotchy, effect that has differing shades of color. For example, the brown color Sculpin Helmet is mostly a dark brown color, but will also reflect shades of black and tan at different angles giving a type of camouflage effect.

• Mini
  Fits hook sizes #10, #8, #6, #4, #2.

  Small
  Fits hook sizes #6, #4, #2, #1.

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

  Note: The Mini is designed with a specially enlarged front slot to fit a wider range of hook sizes. This increased flexibility in hook sizes allows the Mini to be used in a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater streamer patterns.

• After tying in all your materials, complete the streamer by simply fitting the Sculpin Helmet from the front and finish off by tying a small thread dam between the skull and the hook eye.

  1. Start by building your streamer; tie in all the tail, body and wing materials. Wrap a small thread-head and tie off your thread. Make sure you leave a generous gap between your thread-head and the eye of the hook to have room to fit the helmet.

  2. Coat your thread wraps lightly with some Zap-A-Gap or similar glue and then fit the helmet from the front of the streamer. Position in place and make any final adjustments to your materials.

  3. Re-attach your tying thread between the helmet and the eye of the hook and wrap a thread-dam to lock the helmet firmly in place. Tie off and cement the thread wraps.

  4. Finish the streamer by sticking on the Living Eyes.
  
  Step-by-steps for tying flies with the Sculpin Helmet such as the Skull Daddy Crayfish or Foxy Shrimp.
  
  

• Q: Where are Sculpin Helmets made?

  A: In the USA at our North Carolina facility.

  Q: Can I use the Sculpin Helmet for tube flies?

  A: Yes. The front slot has been designed so that both hooks and tube flies can be tied. The Mini and Small sizes fit a 3/32″ (2.4mm) diameter tube and the Large size fits a 1/8″ (3.2mm) diameter tube.

  Q: What is the keel?

  A: Streamers tied with the Sculpin Helmet are designed to fish deep in the hook-up position to avoid getting caught on the bottom. To achieve this, the Sculpin Helmet is made so that 70% of it’s weight and the center of gravity is situated below the shank of the hook. This heavyweight keel, or bottom, gives a dumbbell effect to the streamer, which means it will always ride in the hook-up position and track straight.

  Q: How much do they weigh?

  A: We have deliberately made the Sculpin Helmet significantly heavier than the Baitfish Head so it will sink quickly in fast moving rivers and fish deeper near the bottom where Sculpins typically live.

  Mini size weighs 0.55 grams (0.02 ounces). We recommend you use a minimum rod/line weight size of #4 and higher.
  
  Small size weighs 1.38 grams ( 0.05 ounces). We recommend you use a minimum rod/line weight size #5/6 and higher.
  
  Large size weighs 2.98 grams ( 0.10 ounces). We recommend you use a minimum rod/line weight size #7/8 and higher.
  

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.

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.

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 Chocklett’s Game Changer.

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

Quantity per pack: Individual sizes (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!

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.

Specialized shanks for articulated freshwater and saltwater steelhead and salmon flies.

Co-designed by Greg Senyo

Greg Senyo is a prominent steelhead and salmon expert who has designed many leading fly tying materials. Specialized for use in intruder-style and other modern steelhead and salmon flies, Senyo's shanks have sought-after features such as a loop-up eye at the front of the shank, stronger stainless steel wire, and a slightly smaller rear loop. Bright, vibrant colors enable you to take the color blending of materials to a whole new level.

To make the most of the possibilities of Senyo's Shanks, read his highly anticipated recent book - Fusion Fly Tying: Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout Flies of the Synthetic Era - for 36 patterns that'll push your comfort zone and teach you to combine modern and traditional fly tying styles.

Quantity per pack: 20

• Features
• How to use
• FAQs

• Quick and easy to tie
  Senyo's Shank is held straight in any vise, avoiding the need to tie the fly at strange angles. This allows you to easily attach a free-swinging stinger hook or do a direct hook-to-shank connection using the rear loop.

  Loop-up eye
  Keeping with traditional salmon and steelhead flies.

  Small rear loop
  Allows you to attach hooks directly onto the shank.

  Stainless steel
  For saltwater use.

• 1. The shank is held in your vise by the rear loop.

  2. Tie your fly in the normal way.

• Q: What is the difference between Senyo’s Articulated Shank and the normal Articulated Shank?

  A: Both shanks work very well, but Senyo’s Articulated Shank has been designed with special features that modern steelhead and salmon fly tiers have been asking for. The most significant of these is having a loop up-eye at the front of the shank, stronger wire, a slightly smaller rear loop and the choice of bright, vibrant shank colors that enable fly tiers to take the color blending of materials to a whole new level.
  
  

  Q: Is this shank intended for tying traditional and classic flies?

  A: Not really. This shank is intended for the tying of the more contemporary steelhead and salmon flies that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Examples include intruder-style and various types of articulated Alaskan-style flies used for catching Pacific salmon species. However, if you enjoy tying classics then combining these techniques with the shank may offer some interesting possibilities for new flies.

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 

• 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

• A crayfish fly is created by tying down the CrawBody exoskeleton over a hook that has a dubbed underbody and has been weighted.

  1. Typically, the fly is tied in a hook upwards position.

  2. 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.

  3. Tie the Crawbody in first by the tip of the head, pull it to one side and dub a nice underbody. Adding rubber legs for antennae and/or legs is a good idea.

  4. Once the underbody is completed, pull the CrawBody down over the underbody (like a wingcase) and work your way back towards the eye of the hook creating neat body segments with your thread as you go.

  5. Tie off the fly at the hook eye.

• 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 mini Game Changers with ease.

Chocklett's Game Changer Chenille is a new translucent and markable material specifically designed to be combined with the Fish-Skull® Articulated Fish-Spine™ system and Living Eyes™ to tie the Game Changer, a phenomenal, multi-jointed streamer designed by Blane Chocklett.

Game Changer Chenille is ideal for tying small size Game Changers (typically between 2 to 4 inches long).

For tying medium to large size Game Changers, we recommend Chocklett's Body Wrap.

Tip from Blane:
Steam your Chenille before tying with it because it will help you get the most out of the material. Popular options for this include holding it over boiling water or using a handheld steamer.

Game Changers have never been so easy to tie.

Chocklett's Body Wrap is a new material specifically designed to be combined with the Fish-Skull® Articulated Fish-Spine™ system and Living Eyes™ to tie the Game Changer, a phenomenal, multi-jointed streamer designed by Blane Chocklett.

Body Wrap is ideal for tying medium to large size Game Changers (typically between 3 to 7 inches long).

For tying smaller Game Changers, we recommend Chocklett's Game Changer Chenille.

• Features

• Eliminate gaps between the segments
  The material allows for the body of the fly to be tied thicker, in turn making the fly swim better in the water.

  Tie more flies per pack
  The material is stitched on both sides so you can tie more flies per pack. You can trim at an angle to acheive a taper as you wind. The leftover trimmed piece is usable for another segment or fly.

  Customize your flies
  Use permanent markers to color your baitfish imitation. Pearl White is especially good for this.