Wool

[ducksterman]

I haven't used wool. I'm thinking of using it as Steve Gibson did in Gibby's Shimmer Minnow...

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/s...ad.php?t=24810

Does it have a translucency in the water?

Any recommended sources?

[Mike-Connor]

I haven't used wool. I'm thinking of using it as Steve Gibson did in Gibby's Shimmer Minnow...

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/s...ad.php?t=24810

Does it have a translucency in the water?

Any recommended sources?

The main problem is that the term "wool" covers a multitude of materials which can actually be anything from sheepswool and other animal wool ( Like alpaca, Llama, mohair, etc etc )and a wide range of synthetics, including various mixtures.

Sheepswool itself also varies a lot depending on the animal concerned. Icelandic sheep is sold a lot as long streamer hair. I have found it does not work well in saltwater. It knots up badly. Looks great on the bench, but doesn't work well in water.

You can use many "wools" for all sorts of things, but you need to experiment a bit with them. A look around any wool/fabric shop will usually offer a large choice, and it is not usually very expensive.

TL
MC

[jacktjl]

I have used Llama wool for tying nymphs as well as dry flies. It does float naturally even when saturated so you might want to put some weight on or a bead head for some of the nymphs. It ties great and is my favorite dubbing material. I bought an entire fleece from a women who owns several llamas and paid 10 bucks for the whole thing that fits in a box 2 feet wide and 2 feet high. I actually bought it for my daughter who spins it into yarn and gives me the guard hairs and castoffs. You can buy it pretty cheap on ebay as "roving" in various colors. I have not tried it in saltwater.