Substitute for ribbing wire

All about flies Fly Tying
1

Is it possible to use the twist ties from a loaf of bread as the ribbing wire? Seems logical enough to me if I have something already why not use it.

2

I wouldn’t.
better yet, find an old worn out plug in appliance. there’s enough wire in there for a lifetime.

mgj

3

mikey - that thought crossed my mind as I was wandering around the house last night “searching” for tying material.

4

i think the twist ties will rust, better off with old copper wiring

5

Old lamp cords have really fine wire in them great for tying.

6

pa,

Those will rust.

In addition to plug wire, try taking apart any junk electric appliance. See what you find.

Allan

7

try it like this…

[url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/ducksterman/IMG_0002.jpg:b4e10]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/ducksterman/IMG_0002.jpg[/url:b4e10]

8

Brass beading wire is sold at any craft store,and wally world…strong,doesn’t tarnish…and is not brittle like tinsel…It’s all I use on my Hare’s ear’s…and most any fly that calls for a ribbing of brass colored ribbing… And it’s cheap!!!

“I’ve often wondered why it is that so many anglers spend so much money on,and pay so much attention to.the details on the wrong end of the fly line.If they took as much care in selecting or tying their flies as they did in the selection of the reel and rod,They might be able to gain the real extra edge that makes it possible to fool a fish that has,in fact,seen it all before” A.K.Best

Everyone wants to excel in this sport but at the same time we let traditionalists place restrictions on our tactics, methods, and ideas. I always assumed that fly fishing was a sport that allowed imagination, creation, adaptation, investigation, dedication, education, revelation? : Fox Statler, On Spinners (Not the dainty Dry Fly kind) “Spinner’d Minner Fly”

“Wish ya great fishing”

Bill

9

If it does tarnish it is really another neat color for nymphs that works.

10

Ducksterman,

Thanks for the visual - will do.

11

The multi-stranded copper wire in power cords is not coated and will ultimately turn green (as a copper roof). You’re better off using wire from old motors or solenoids where the wire is coated for electrically insulating one turn from each other. Some of the coatings may be colored however. Try a hobby shop that repairs model railroad engines and ask for a old dead motor. The wire size will be just right. Have fun.

12

I’ve found that the fine copper and reddish copper wire from junked small electric motors perfect for small pheasant tail nymphs and dries

Tight lines

13

Some of that beading wire is too thick, just be sure to watch the size…I did find some cool clear ribbing in that very section, it works great on flies that require clear tubing (blood worm)…CHEAP…5 meter roll is like 3 bucks at that store, and it is in 2 sizes .7mm and a larger on 1.7mm…Good stuff…

14

You can also use thread for ribbing, there are some patterns (especially nymph patterns) that I use thin tippet line for ribbing.

~Parnelli