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I use brass tubing from a hobby shop. Cut to length (I use a Dremel tool, but a hacksaw works fine) and flare slightly using a small center punch to each end. Touch up the cut ends with emery cloth. I mount them on a nail that just fits the tube. I put a veryslight bend in the nail and this will sort of wedge the brass tube so it doesn't spin on the nail. I usually cut my tubes about 1/2" to 1 "long. The brass tubing gives a nice weight to them so it sinks a fairly full tied fly. Use the longer tubes to sink faster or tie a bigger fly. I use 1/8" brass tubing for my steelhead flies.
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Here is a link to Eumer tube flies. http://www.eumertube.com/
I was at the Fly Fishing Show in Pleasanton where I meet Olli a few years back who's brother founded the business. He got me started on the micro tube starter kit as I wanted to try tube flies for trout. There is some good information on their website. Be sure to checkout their catalog. What I know I have learned from Ollie and YouTube. I wish I could be of more help, but most of what I know is trial and error.
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They are used extensively for salmon flies here. This is a local pattern from the River Brora just 5 mile down the road from me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...2_edited-2.jpg
One great plus is that when the fish takes the tube rides up the line leaving just the hook. This gives the fish less leverage to use to get away.
Cheers,
A.